The abalone shell has been coveted for centuries for its iridescent glimmer and natural decorative patterns. Early civilizations all around the globe showcased the shell for its ornamental beauty — from the Native Americans of the United States to the Maori of New Zealand.
The one-piece abalone shell, which is round or oval, sometimes resembles a flat ear shape, leading to abalone's nickname "ear-shell." There are about one hundred different abalone varieties, including the exquisite paua shell, which has a bluish tint and hails from New Zealand. Abalone is a member of the same mollusk family that includes clams, oysters and mussels.
It is believed that abalone shell aids in creativity and strengthens the heart by cleansing fear, sorrow and negative energies.