Red fluorescence lamellae in calcitic prismatic layer of Pinctada vulgaris shell (Mollusc, bivalvia)

Abstract

Red fluorescence lamellae in prismatic layers of Pinctada vulgaris shell were investigated. SEM-EDS, XRD, and TG-DTA were utilized to characterize prismatic layers. We found that prismatic layers are calcitic prismatic (CP) layers with rich organic substances. Excitation spectrum for red fluorescence determined by a spectrophotometer indicates that the fluorescent matter in the organic substances is porphyrin compound derivatives. By using a fluorescence microspectroscope, the cross section of CP layers shows red fluorescence forming lamellar pattern. The lamellar pattern consists of red and black parallel zones with a modulation of emission intensity. Elemental mapping show a correlation of the fluorescence intensity decay with sulphur-rich zones occupying the CP layers in the black zones.

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