These are 1/4 lb bags of small highly polished Paua shell pieces.
Size: 15-25mm or about half an inch to an inch with some variation in size as these are natural pieces.
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.
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.