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Glittering Stones Glossary n

Nacre

The smooth, iridescent substance formed approximately a grain of sand or some other foreign matter in the shells of certain mollusks. Over time, these layers construct up to form a pearl.

 

Nickel Silver

Nickel silver (also called German silver) is actually a white metal alloy of 70% copper, 20% zinc and 10% nickel. It also contains no silver.

 

Niello

Niello is a black alloy of silver, copper, lead and also sulphur. It is used to fill design, imparting an inlaid effect after the metal is ablaze and polished.