Quote Originally Posted by Mary Marine View Post
I know some people dip their shells in acid to remove the hardened ocean gunk (when cleaned abalones are red on the outside I think?) or soak them for longer to remove the natural finish and leave only the mother of pearl on both sides. But the fumes are poisonous, the acid is corrosive to EVERYTHING, and you have to dispose of it properly. It can also dissolve your shells if you let them soak too long.
I don't think that would work with abalone (tried it myself).
The acid removes calcification(?I think it's what it's called), to get the mother of pearl you have to sand it down for sure. Taking layers off the actual shell would take forever if it IS possible. It might even make the shell brittle from all the acid.