2. References to the pearl within sacred texts.
Sri Garuda Puranam, Chapter LXIX (69)- "
Suta said "... A pearl found in the mouth of a fish is a perfect sphere in shape and is marked by a yellowish hue, like the back of a pathenam fish as is occasionally found inside the mouth of a whale that frequents the unfathomable depths of ocean beds.
"
3. Theological alignment of a given pearl group (i.e. presiding deity)
Considered to be related to Lord Vishnu, who in his first embodiment visited the world as Matsya, a fish.
4. Cosmological Inherents (i.e. gem of Heaven, Underworld)
Clearly a terrestrial gem related to the Matsya (fish) incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
5. Religious or cultural significance of given pearl variety.
Not observed beyond its symbolic reference to Lord Vishnu.
6. Cross-references noted within Varahamihira.
Interestingly, Varahamihira specifically does not mention the Fish Pearl in his subsection titled "Signs of Pearls". Rather, he mentions the occurrence of pearls in the mammalian Whale, describing such pearls as resembling the eye of a fish.
7. Ritual handling of the artifact.
Unknown.
8. Stipulations regarding ownership.
Unknown.
9. Historical references.
Less than others.
10. State of scientific analysis.
None has taken place that we are aware of.
11. Geographical origin.
Indonesian archipelago is our only known source of these artifacts.
12. Scientific considerations for full overview.
The lowest end of the food chain in the ocean are Diatoms, which are in turn eaten by higher life forms. We believe that there is likelihood of diatom remains embedding at choke-points within soft organs in the digestive process; similar to the way that asbestos fiber stays within the human lung.
13. Archaeologist review.
No comment.
14. Hindu intelligence.
Appreciated, but not a major focal point. One of a group of four was noted as being particularly powerful, however this was not a recurring topic.
15. Gemological opinion.
None observed.
16. Artist overview.
No comment.
17. Anecdotal reports.
These gems feel more "alive" than some of the others, and tend to impress a spark of life within a group interaction, although not particularly a personal one.
18. Personal observances.
None at present.
19. Social response of observers.
Interest, but not fixation.
20. Cross-cultural references.
None at present.
21. Miscellaneous subtleties.
None observed at this time, although the Fish Pearls definitely have a 'watery' feel to them.
22. Relative Scarcity of pearl.
Very scarce, but of lower general attraction than some of the other gems.
23. Known Placements.
None.
24. Relative Valuation Criteria.
Scarcity on par with Bamboo Pearls, however, like Bamboo Pearls, much less information available as to their properties within the context of Sanatana Dharma.
25. Indicated ownership benefits.
Not clear at time of posting.
26. Conjecture on what gives each pearl a Sacred property.
A certain gentleness and inevitability seem to accompany the interaction with the Fish Pearls. As final research is collated, this will be added.
27. Action plan for further research.
Non-invasive testing will be utilized, although microscopic investigation for crystalline pattern signatures may be more telling.
28. Biological and Zoological review.
The pearl tastes bitter, even very bitter. A soak test on the pearl would be useful, as well as research into which bitter substances are produced by fish. Bile pigments are not usually pink.
29. Final determinants.
The Fish Pearls, described in Vedic scripture, appear to be a natural product of an organic anomaly in fish metabolism.
30. Conclusions
Specimens of this class of artifact will be offered for placement, noting their scarcity and degree of validation as one of The Sacred Pearls.