What functions does nacre serve for molluscs?

Nacre, or mother-of-pearl, the tough, iridescent biomineral lining the inner side of some mollusk shells, has alternating biogenic aragonite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) tablet .... Mechanical behavior of idealized, stingray-skeleton-inspired tiled composites as a function of geometry and material properties. read more

Nacre is secreted by the epithelial cells of the mantle tissue of various molluscs. The nacre is continuously deposited onto the inner surface of the shell, the iridescent nacreous layer, commonly known as mother of pearl. read more