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 Black Pearl (play) The Black Pearl (play) The Black Pearl () is a three-act comedy by the 19th-century French playwright Victorien Sardou that was first performed in 1862 in Paris. The play is based upon a story written by Sardou and first published in December 1861 under the title The Medallion. In 1825, in Amsterdam, Messieurs Balthazar and Cornelius sit down to supper during a particularly strong thunderstorm. Balthazar informs Cornelius that he is aware that Cornelius is in love with Christiane, who had been raised by Balthazar’s mother, and is practically his sister. He gives his blessing to a marriage between Cornelius