Abalone Shells
Haliotidae
Abalone shells are also known as sea ears or ormers. They resemble a large clam, except for the spiral whorl. All abalones have natural holes that run along one side. The mollusks that create these shells use the holes to breathe. Sea water is drawn in under the edge of the sea shell as it passes over the gills and leaves through the natural holes. They are usually found attached to rocks by a large muscular foot, mostly in shallow water. The foot is edible and highly esteemed.
Abalone Facts
- They're often used as home decor because they're useful as a dish.
- Crafty people use them to make beautiful jewelry creations, buttons, inlays or knife handle embellishments.
- They're sometimes used as a smudging bowl. A smoldering smudge stick is placed on the abalone shell to catch the ashes. The smoke of the herbs is then fanned in the direction you want negative enery to dissappear.
- North American Indians once used them to make beads to use as money.
Author: Amy Ferguson
