Abalone Paua Shells
Abalone is a common name for small to very large edible marine snails. Paua is the Maori (indigenous population of New Zealand) name given to three species of large edible marine snails found only in the colder waters of the South Island coastline of New Zealand. 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. The iridescence is from light being refracted within the crystal layers. These shells make some of the most beautiful pens. Available in natural blue, white, blaze orange and baby pink.
