Therapeutic and magical properties of mother-of-pearl

Mother of pearl is a calcareous shell of some species of marine life, since ancient times they have decorated various objects. In Russian the name of mother-of-pearl came from German: from the word Permutter. In translation, it means "mother" (producing pearls, which are found in similar shells). And before that in Russia mother-of-pearl was simply called a "shell". The essence of the title in all languages ​​is the same, no matter how it is pronounced: in English it is "mother of pearl", in Old French - "mereperle, in Italian -" madreperla ". Later the designation in French "la nacre" came from the Arabic language from the word "nakar" - "shell".

In the nacre - carbon dioxide, which contains the proportion of animal organic matter. It encircles the shell of mollusks with a layer of varying thickness. This substance is made up of pearls. Pearl overflows, reflecting a fairy-tale beauty game of blue, emerald, purple and white shades. This game of colors is caused by the structure of the shell, which consists of small plates, and not coloring substances. These plates are separated by air layers, which refract light and give such a wealth of shades.

The pearlescent coating of the shell consists of several very thin layers of matter, during the lifetime of the secretion of the mollusk. It is very durable, and it can be separated only with steel small saws.

Mother of pearl is extracted from shells, which are collected when looking for pearls, but often pearly shells are caught specially.

In China, white mother of pearl is especially popular, it comes there, mainly from Manila. Chinese nacre catchers every year go for mother-of-pearl shells to the Philippine shores.

In recent years, the mother-of-pearl produced in the East has become fashionable, which can be given any shade by chemical treatment. Modern masters learned to artificially create a mother-of-pearl, lubricating the gelatinous leaf with "pearl essence" (essens d'Orient) and pouring it with diluted gelatin, which then freezes. "Pearl Essence" is a liquid that is extracted from the silver scales of the sticker. Scales are triturated with water until the entire brilliant pigment precipitates, which is then washed with ammonia and mixed with gelatin. Pearlescent substance consists of the smallest crystals, in the composition of which - lime and guanite. This method was invented in 1655 by the Frenchman Jaquin. From one kilogram of scales of 8 thousand fish, he produced 120 g of "pearl essence" to create artificial pearls of ordinary glass.

Humanity learned to apply mother-of-pearl for a very long time. He was attracted by strength, elegance, play of color, wonderful cleanliness, tenderness of colors, reminiscent of clouds, waves, sea coolness and warm sunlight. For northerners, the charm of mother-of-pearl is also in the distant, "overseas" origin, which surrounded it with a halo of charm, so in the northern countries it was very expensive. That is why nothing strange about the fact that legends were composed of mother of pearl, and superstitions arose, no. They pushed more often to apply mother of pearl, which seemed to the naive person of the past a mysterious, life-giving, because mother of pearl is the "parent" of pearls, the most valuable jewelry in all ages.

Therapeutic and magical properties of mother-of-pearl

Medical properties of mother-of-pearl. Nutritional properties of mother of pearl learned to use a very long time. Alchemists believed that pearlescent powder can cure all ailments. Modern doctors believe that mother of pearl helps to strengthen health, increases immunity and efficiency. "Pearl essence" was used to get rid of many ailments, because as a mother-of-pearl and pearls attributed to the fortifying healing powers. At the end of the 17th century, Popp and Agricola invented the famous pearl product, which strengthens the heart, it was used with impotence and fainting.

Since ancient times, white pearl powder has been used in cosmetics, especially in facial bleaching creams, removing freckles and pigment spots. To improve hearing, wore earrings from shells.

Magical properties. Mages resorted to the help of mother-of-pearl not often. Vases and bowls were made from shells, considering that drinking in them acquires medicinal properties. On the surface of the shells, drawings were made to win the favor of the Gods.

Mother of pearl is the patron saint of the zodiac Aquarius and Pisces: first it brings luck in work, the second - help in betting and disputes.

Amulets and talismans. Mother of Pearl helps its owner bring a new wave to life, develops intuition, preserves peace in the home and family, protects from evil demons. It is believed that mother of pearl is able to prolong life.