Homonym: 진주조개속 (Pearl)
진주조개속, or Pinctada, is a genus of saltwater clams, commonly known as pearl oysters. These mollusks are famous for their ability to produce pearls, which form when an irritant enters their shells. The process of pearl formation involves the secretion of nacre, a substance that coats the irritant and eventually creates a pearl.
These oysters are primarily found in warm, shallow waters across the world's oceans. They play a significant role in the marine ecosystem and are also important for the pearl industry, where they are cultivated for both natural and cultured pearls.