Freshwater pearl mussel Freshwater pearl mussel The freshwater pearl mussel ("Margaritifera margaritifera") is an endangered species of freshwater mussel, an aquatic bivalve mollusc in the family Margaritiferidae. Although the name "freshwater pearl mussel" is often used for this species, other freshwater mussel species can also create pearls and some can also be used as a source of mother of pearl. In fact, most cultured pearls today come from "Hyriopsis" species in Asia, or "Amblema" species in North America, both members of the related family Unionidae; pearls are also found within species in the genus "Unio". The interior of the shell of "Margaritifera margaritifera"
The Pearl (novel) Trombone and Wind Symphony (2004) was inspired by "The Pearl". The Pearl (novel) The Pearl is a novella by American author John Steinbeck, first published in 1947. This story is about a poor family which is more likely described as native Americans, who discovers an enormous and valuable pearl. The novella explores man's nature as well as greed, defiance of societal norms, and evil. Steinbeck's inspiration was a Mexican Folk Tale from La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, which he had heard in a visit to the formerly pearl-rich region in 1940. In 1947, it was adapted into a Mexican