What on Earth Is Abalone?

An abalone shell is the iridescent, rainbow-lined shell of a sea snail in the genus Haliotis. It is not a crystal, but it is a staple of crystal shops, used as a smudging bowl for sage and cleansing and as a traditional ritual shell. In lore it is linked with the ocean, calm and emotional balance.

The Physical Properties of Abalone

Abalone bears resemblances to clams and oysters when it comes to their shell build, but they have feet and tentacles which put them in the category of sea snails. Their shell is durable thanks to the combination of protein and little calcium carbonate stacks as its main building blocks. They're stacked like bricks, making the shell quite hard. It is difficult for animals who hunt abalone to shatter their shells, whose hardness is 4 on the Mohs scale.

Abalone shells have a gorgeous iridescence to them which shimmers in a real rainbow of colours. It is what makes them extremely valuable and why they've been used as currency and as a material for making jewelry.

The History of Abalone

The name abalone comes from the Spanish word abulón. Abalone shells are usually found along the western coast of North America, as well as in South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia. Abalone was a sought-after source of food for many native cultures in these localities, and the shells that these marine snails left behind were then used for jewelry (see our jewellery and beads) and as currency, thanks to their enchanting, iridescent beauty.

The Lore of Abalone

Abalone has a rich and interesting lore, as it has been a part of some of the oldest traditions of various civilization. They were believed able to replenish the spirit if used correctly in a ritual ceremony. Native Americans used to burn sage in abalone shells so that their messages would carry into heaven.

Abalone shells also have a significant place in the Apache culture Sunrise Ceremony. It is a ritual marking the female transition into puberty, and it celebrates the Apache myth about the White Painted Woman who had survived a flood in an abalone shell.

The Metaphysical Properties of Abalone

An abalone shell is traditionally associated with Sagittarius, and with the Crown, Third Eye and Heart chakras. In lore it is the stone of gentle emotional balance, because of its strong connection with the ocean. Its soft rainbow shimmer is a popular symbol of calm waters after stormy seas.

Abalone shells are also a traditional vessel for cleansing rituals. Many people like holding a smooth shell while they slow down, and it is a pretty piece for a trinket dish or altar. It is not a substitute for professional advice on health.

Even though an abalone shell isn't necessarily a crystal, it is still a valuable addition to your collection. In lore, it is a shell for calmness, harmony and intuition.