Spiny oyster is not a stone! It's a marine shell that comes from the spiny oyster mollusk (Spondylus species). The shell is naturally dense and vividly colored, producing shades of orange, red, purple, white, and sometimes yellow. Because it’s solid and takes a high polish, it has been used in jewelry for thousands of years.

Where it’s from:
Spiny oyster shells are found primarily in warm coastal waters, especially:

• The Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez)

• Along the coasts of Mexico and Baja California

• Parts of Central and South America

Historically, spiny oyster played an important role in ancient trade networks, particularly in Mesoamerica and the American Southwest, where it was traded far inland and valued as highly as turquoise. Today, it remains a cornerstone material in Southwestern and Native American inspired jewelry for its bold color, organic origin, and cultural significance.