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"
Palatinate Pearl Palatinate Pearl The Palatinate Pearl is a pearl, kept with, but distinct from the Crown Jewels of Bavaria. The pearl is unique insofar as it is one of only very few part black, part white pearls to occur naturally. The pearl is set between two diamond encrusted snakes, protruding from a bed of leaves, flanked by two flowers. While the exact origins of the pearl are unknown it first appears among the royal Crown Jewels of Bavaria, who were the ruling family of the Palatinate, which gaves its name to the pearl (and possibly its origin). Having traveled with its