What type of gem is a pearl classified as?

A pearl is classified as an organic gem because it is formed from the secretions of mollusks, particularly oysters and mussels. Unlike inorganic gems, which are composed of minerals and formed through geological processes, organic gems are derived from living organisms. Pearls are created when an irritant, such as a grain of sand, enters the shell of a mollusk. The mollusk then secretes layers of nacre around the irritant, eventually forming a pearl.

This classification is particularly important because it highlights the unique characteristics and formation processes of pearls compared to other gemstones, which are primarily inorganic in nature. Understanding that pearls are organic also emphasizes their distinct origins and the biogenic processes involved in their creation, setting them apart from synthetic gems, which are man-made copies of natural stones, and mineral gems that are formed through crystallization and geological activity.