Could there be a pearl inside of an oyster fossil?

[Avis]

Hi.

   Could there be pearls inside of oyster fossils? If so, how would someone remove them without destroying the oyster shell? This one has no back shell. It’s filled with mud that’s hardened like cement. We have one with it’s back shell on but it’s also filled with hardened mud and sealed shut. Thank you for any answers!

[Carl]

Fossil pearls are definitely known. There are 2 kinds: loose pearls and blister pearls. Most people know the former - blister pearls are attached to the bivalve's shell. Removing hard matrix is tricky without a lot of fossil preparation skills. And fossil pearls are exceptionally rare so there is little incentive to probe around for them.

[Rockwood]

If the fill is just dried mud all you need to do is soak it in water.

[M Harvey]

Not sure why you would want to remove the pearl.  They don't have value as jewelry and are much more interesting attached to the shell.   

[Avis]

We’re going to leave them be. Thank you for your helpful replies. 🙏😊🦪

[Mark Kmiecik]

Only  about 1 out of 10,000 oysters have pearls in nature.