There is no other shell in the world that has the color like Paua Shell color that varies from greens & pinks to purples & blues and even some shells with gold or crimson tonings. Paua, a species of abalone, is only found in the sea around the area of New Zealand. Most other abalone are pale in comparison. Paua is the Maori name for abalone.
Environmentally sound and sustainable management practices of the paua fisheries are in place in New Zealand. There is a quota system, which is strictly enforced for the gathering of paua by both commercial and individual fishermen. No compressed air diving is allowed in the filling of these quotas. All paua gathered must be at least 125mm (5 inches) in size. There are stiff penalties for those caught removing undersize shells.
The color in the paua shell changes when viewed at different angles. This iridescence, similar to that of Mother of Pearl shell, but far more brilliant, is what makes paua shell so interesting as a gem material for use in jewelry. These brilliant colors are from light refracting within the crystal layers of the shell.
Each shell is different in its color, and in the patterns within the shell. The black patterns in the shell come from layers of protein that are laid down between the layers of calcium that make up the shell. Paua has a hardness of 3.5 on Mohs scale. Paua shell is dyed to enhance color and is a popular gemstone used in costume jewelry.
The paua is iconic in New Zealand. Its black muscular foot is considered a delicacy, and the shell is frequently used in jewelry. To Māori, paua are recognized taonga, or treasure, esteemed both as kai moana (seafood) and as a valued resource for traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.
Paua are frequently used to represent the eyes in Māori carvings and traditionally are associated with the stars, or whetu the eyes of ancestors that gaze down from the night sky.
The
Maori tribe honors the Paua as a good luck charm giving peace, prosperity, good luck and good health when giving this shell as a gift.
The Paua shell has been revered by ancient tribes throughout the world as majikal gifts from the sea - stimulating fertility and protecting against un-cooperative attitudes and actions within the tribe.
These vacated homes of small sea creatures provide for boundless growth in all areas of endeavor. The structure can help enhance clarity during decision making. Shells are also excellent in bringing about cohesiveness in a group.
The Paua shell resembles the beauty that surrounds you, and within oneself, to have high self-esteem and awareness of what is happening around you.
(Astrological Signs of Pisces)
Vibrates to the number 2
The shell has been used in the treatment of hearing disorders, calcium deficiencies and dysfunction of the spinal canal and nervous system.
