What is this close-up picture? (WotsThat: Mussel shell nacre)

Question

What object is shown in this zoomed-in close-up photo?

ChrysocollaQ · Accepted Answer

Mussel shell nacre. Mussel Shell Nacre Nacre (that shimmering inner layer of mussel shells) is about 3,000 times tougher than the raw materials it's made from—it achieves this superhero-level durability by arranging microscopic aragonite crystals like a brick wall, with an organic glue between each "brick" that absorbs impact. Materials scientists have been studying nacre for decades to create next-generation body armor and smartphone screens that won't shatter, essentially trying to steal nature's 500-million-year-old engineering secret.

Answer: Mussel shell nacre

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