Hi! Found this in a clam today.

[theid]

I'm not sure if it's anything - perhaps something I can put on a ring or something

 

[GemGeek]

The color is not desirable, so it wouldn't have much value if you were to try and sell it. On the other hand, it's a cool find.

 

[pattye]

Were you eating the clam?

 

[Caitlin]

Those quahog clams also have purple pearls as part of their shell has a purple band on it. Purple pearls are what people want, but still, a white one is a fairly rare find. Quahog shells were a very popular source of wampum before the conquest because of that purple band.

The above photo came from the best description of wampum I have ever read: http://www.iroquoismuseum.org/ve11.html

Most people are told, "Wampum equals money". That is a shallow explanation because each manufactured wampum piece is a recorded agreement among individuals or groups of people, among other things.

 

[Marianne]

Thank you, Caitlin, for this wonderful history lesson! I love history.... and science..... and music..... and Well, you get the picture, and now you know why I'm so, um, "well rounded"

 

[pattye]

Fascinating! Thanks so much, Caitlin!