Paua Abalone Colors

[beck3906]

I see various vendors selling Paua abalone in various colors from red, orange, blue, green, etc.

Does paua abalone come in these colors naturally? Or does the natural color have some type of dye applied to it?

 

[brownsfn2]

No. The colors are applied in a layer on top of or underneath of the Paua Abalone piece. They are transparent so that the pattern of the Abalone can still show through. The abalone in the blanks in the picture below is natural. The tube behind the abalone has been painted black so that does bring out more of the natural color. Thin sheets of abalone can be transparent in some spots and unless you put something behind it you do not get its true color. Of course it also looks best under water which is why it is so much fun to cast. If really brings out the brilliance.

Hope that helped.