These extra large abalone shells exhibit a brilliantly coloured internal lustre, whilst the seawashed ruched external surface often reveals a hint of the hidden swirling blue and green iridescent mother of pearl for which the shell is justifiably famous.

When fully polished the shells are highly prized for jewellery and object d'art.

This natural unpolished specimen rests easy as a feature on whitewashed furniture, or adds a layer of interest to an informal bathroom setting.

Abalone Shells and Smudging:
Traditionally abalone shells have been used for the purpose of smudging.
Different cultures have had their own methods of burning aromatic mixtures which have long been traded (and taxed !) as valuable commodities along the silk roads linking Mongolia to Persia and Europe. From Elizabethan times sea routes from the “New World” discovered new examples of smudging among Native Americans.
Surfaces should be protected from scorching and the shell should not be left unattended whilst wood, herbs or spices are burning.

Ecological Note:
Abalone shells form part of over 100 species of similar low spiral shells found widely throughout the world from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the UK Channel Isles where the shells are known as ormers.

In New Zealand the Paua shell is fished under strict licence with restrictions on the number and size of shells collected.

Principally in China and Japan where abalone meat is a prized delicacy commercial farming of abalone is carried out.

Classification: Haliotis midae Gmelin