These are 1/4 lb bags of highly polished Paua shell nuggets.
Size: 20-50mm or 0.8" to 2" with some variation in size as these are natural items.
There are many uses for these shell pieces. They are great for inlay work. They can be put in the bottom of an aquarium or fountain for decoration. They can be used for jewelry. These pieces have a very high polish that many people like to use to make jewelry and craft projects that require a high sheen.
Paua is the species of abalone shell (Haliotis iris) found only in the cold waters of southern New Zealand. The coloring varies from shell to shell and has an amazing iridescence. The lighting in the photo above does not do justice to the array of colors found in these pieces. The pieces vary in size and shape and come from shells that have been tumbled to a highly polished finish. Please note that there will be some degree of broken or chipped shells.
The government of New Zealand strictly controls the harvesting of abalone for food. The shells are a natural by-product.
A USFWS export permit is required for all shipments outside the USA.
Paua are not an endangered species and are not subject to CITES controls.