Material: Large Tridacna gigas (Antique Item)

Size: 13*9mm

Description:

1. Composition (What is it made of?)

Tridacna gigas (pronounced chē qú) is not a seashell or mother-of-pearl, but rather a "shell substance" from a giant sea oyster, scientifically known as *Tridacna gigas*, commonly called "Giant Clam" or "Giant Frog."

Its main chemical components are:

- **Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)**: Approximately 95% or more, existing in the form of aragonite crystals

- Small amount of organic matter (shell keratin)

- Trace elements (magnesium, strontium, etc.)

Characteristics include a delicate, warm, and jade-like texture, a soft luster, a distinct "porcelain white" base color, and often with flame-like, wood-grain, or cloud-like patterns. High-quality giant clams may even exhibit "blue eyes" (showing blue fluorescence at certain angles), a phenomenon known as birefringence in aragonite crystals.

Simply put: giant clams are "natural gem-quality calcium carbonate grown on the seabed," with a hardness of about 3.5–4 (softer than jade), but with a warm, smooth feel.

2. Origin

- Main production areas: South Pacific, Indian Ocean, northern Australia, Philippines, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, and other tropical coral reef waters.

- Giant clams are the world's largest bivalve mollusks, with shells reaching 1.5 meters in length and weighing 200–300 kilograms, and lifespans exceeding 100 years.

- Due to overfishing and habitat destruction, most giant clam species are currently listed as Appendix II controlled species under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). Legal giant clam products must be accompanied by proof of origin (except for old materials).

3. The Important Place in Buddhism (Why do Buddhists particularly cherish giant clam shells?) Giant clam shells are listed as one of the "Seven Treasures of Buddhism" (traditionally, the Seven Treasures are gold, silver, lapis lazuli, giant clam shells, agate, amber, and coral; some scriptures replace "pearls" with "glass" or place "giant clam shells" differently).

Its religious significance primarily stems from the following points:

| Project | Buddhist Symbolism |

|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|

| Pure White Color | Symbolizes purity, Bodhicitta, and the inherent whiteness of Buddha-nature |

| From Giant Clam Shells of the Ocean | Symbolizes "embracing all sentient beings" (giant clams can encompass the ocean) |

| Warm and Smooth Texture | Represents compassion and gentleness, harmless to humans |

| Clear and Melodious Sound | Striking a giant clam shell produces a melodious sound, considered "celestial music," and often used in ritual implements (such as giant clam shell horns and bells) |

| Ability to Ward Off Evil Spirits | Ancient texts record that giant clams can ward off poisonous insects and evil spirits; Tibetan Buddhism believes they can increase blessings and wisdom, and resolve conflicts with malicious people |

| Connection with Guanyin Bodhisattva | Legend has it that Guanyin Bodhisattva once used a giant clam shell vase to purify the world; giant clams are also often carved into Guanyin statues or associated with White Tara ritual implements. |

Tibetan Buddhism places special emphasis on:

- Tridacna shell is considered the "natal gemstone" of White Tara, Avalokiteshvara, and Tara.

- High-ranking monks often use tridacna shell to make prayer beads, bracelets, and gau boxes, which are regarded as extremely auspicious objects.

- Many Living Buddhas and Rinpoches give tridacna shell bracelets to their disciples, representing a "pure lineage."

Han Chinese Buddhism:

- Tridacna shell is also commonly used to carve Avalokiteshvara, Buddha heads, and 108-bead prayer beads.

- Many temple ritual implements (such as the handle of the handbell and wooden fish) are inlaid with tridacna shell.

4. Common explanations for modern Buddhists wearing tridacna shell bracelets (from a folk belief perspective):

- Enhances concentration and eliminates restlessness (white helps open the crown and throat chakras).

- Ensures safety and wards off backstabbers (traditionally believed that tridacna shell has the effect of a "demon-revealing mirror").

- Beneficial to the throat, thyroid, and respiratory tract (from an energy perspective).

- The more you wear it, the whiter and brighter it becomes, considered a spiritual gemstone that "connects with its owner."

In summary, the essence of a giant clam shell bracelet is a calcium carbonate gemstone from an endangered giant seashell. Because of its pure white color, warm luster, rarity, and the blessing of being one of the seven treasures of Buddhism for millennia, it is regarded as one of the most supreme personal sacred objects in the Buddhist world (especially Tibetan Buddhism). Many believe that wearing a string of old giant clam shell beads is equivalent to carrying the "blessings of Guanyin" and "pure white light," serving as an aid to spiritual practice and a symbol of status and faith.

If you wish to acquire one, it is recommended to choose old material or second-hand giant clam shells with legal proof of origin and have them blessed by a temple or master for a more complete meaning.