Abalone, also called ear shell, is a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Haliotidae. The shell is characterized by several open respiratory pores in a row near the shell’s outer edge. The thick inner layer of the shell is composed of nacre, which in many species is highly iridescent, giving rise to a range of strong, changeable colors which make the shells attractive to humans as ornaments, jewelry, and as a source of colorful mother-of-pearl. They are believed to promote emotional balance, reduce anxiety, and enhance intuition