Abalone Shell

Physical Information

Abalone Shell is not a stone but the shell of the abalone, a type of sea snail. Its inner layer is made of nacre, also called mother-of-pearl. This layer shows a bright, rainbow-like shimmer in blue, green, purple, pink and silver. The colours are not pigments. They appear when light reflects from many very thin layers of nacre.

Abalone lives along rocky coasts in many parts of the world, and colourful species come from places such as New Zealand, where it is called paua, and California. The shell is fairly soft, so keep it away from acids, perfume and cleaning products. Wipe it with a soft, damp cloth and dry it well.

Metaphysical Properties

Abalone Shell is known as a gift of the ocean. It is believed to bring calm, emotional balance and a gentle, flowing energy. Many people use it when they want to feel more peaceful, more open with their feelings and more connected with nature and the sea. In some traditions, abalone shells are used as bowls for cleansing rituals with herbs.

It is associated with the heart chakra and the throat chakra, which are linked to love and kind communication. Many people wear abalone as jewellery, use a shell as a small dish for crystals, or place it on a home altar. Its shimmer is also a reminder of beauty and change in everyday life.