Moose Fact: Getting Started With Spiny Oysters
If you are creating jewelry using turquoise gemstones, you might have already encountered or used spiny oysters in your jewelry designs.
ORIGIN OF SPINY OYSTER
Spiny oyster, also known as spondylus, is a large family of mollusks. Sometimes, they are also referred to as thorny oysters or spondylids. Contrary to its name, spiny oysters are not actually oysters. Instead, they are most likely related to scallops.
According to research, spiny oysters are found at depths between 35 and 300 feet, attached to rocky reefs. They can be found from Cedros Island, Baja California to Ecuador and in the Sea of Cortez from Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California to Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur.
WHAT DO SPINY OYSTERS LOOK LIKE
Known for its pop of color which is enjoyed by many jewelry artists, the spiny oyster can range from a beautiful orange, to deep and attractive purple shades.
Hard to harvest, the spiny oysters are extremely unique. It is also reported that its shells are rare to find. In addition, spiny oysters are also greatly treasured by Native American Indian artists for their variety of colors ranging from red, orange, pink, white, yellow, and purple.
The most common spiny oysters are that of the orange shade. Orange spiny oysters are found at mid to low ocean depths. Hence, it is easily accessed by divers and snorkelers. On the other hand, purple spiny oysters are more difficult to find and harvest due to the ocean depth where they are found. This is the reason why purple spiny oysters are rarer and harder to harvest.
Take a look at our Spiny Oyster Cabochon for jewelry-making
HANDMADE SPINY OYSTER JEWELRY | #MadeWithMoose
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WHERE TO FIND SPINY OYSTER CABOCHONS
Click here to check out our entire Spiny Oyster collection.
