The stacked arrangement of nacre makes it incredibly strong, because cracks cannot travel in a straight line through the material. Nacre is made of calcium carbonate mortared together with organic ...

Most people know mother-of-pearl, an iridescent biomineral also called nacre, from buttons, jewelry, instrument inlays and other decorative flourishes. Scientists, too, have admired and marveled at ...

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In the summer, many people enjoy walks along the beach looking for seashells. Among the most prized are those that contain iridescent mother of pearl (also known as nacre) inside. But many ...