There is much knowledge of eating wonderful oyster muscles and, of course, we all know about the pearling button industry before plastic was invented, but there are many other uses for these absolutely beautiful shells. Some might amaze you.

About 1000 years ago, the Choctaw Native American tribe used oyster shells in making pottery. The shells were burned first and then crushed into tiny pieces that were added to clay. the clay was less likely to break or warp in the kiln when it had shell pieces in it. the final product was much stronger.

Shells were turned into tools as well. The biggest could be used to debark trees and dig out soft wood for canoes. Shells were also used to digging in agricultural work. 

Smaller shells had their edges smoothed to be used as spoons.

Of course, all sorts of adornment and jewelry were made from shells.

But did you know that oyster shells are made out of calcium carbonate which absorbs carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Shells can be dried and ground then added to animal feed.

Tabby walls have been used for centuries. Most of the shells are heated to a high temperature to make quicklime. The larger portions of shells are added to the quicklime along with water and sand to make a sort of cement.

This is interesting...Pearl fiber fabrics are breathable, anti-bacterial, and can absorb moisture. This is beginning to sound like something Patagonia should be aware. A process of nanotechnology extracts material from low grade pearls and turned into a fabric that is like viscose. It is smooth and glossy. The calcium in the pearl fabric is said to soften and nourish the skin and ALSO protects from UV rays. this is definitely the future. Be on the lookout for new pearl fibers. I searched our friend Google for more information about pearl fabrics  and didn't find anything. So, Google doesn't know yet but you do.