Coal-black pearls occur in one of the pinnas, the interior of which is sooty, shot with iridescent purple, and since the pearl, whether produced by oyster, mussel, pinna, or window-shell, is generally more brilliant than the containing shell, that of the black pinna, with the high lights of its environment concentrated, may be a gem of surpassing novelty and beauty.
"Tropic Days"
E. J. Banfield
But the habitual product of this pinna is small, dull, mud-tinted or brown, and of no value whatever.
"Tropic Days"
E. J. Banfield
Changing my position, so that the pinna might not be deprived of its share of the rays of the sun, the valves soon furtively opened.
"Tropic Days"
E. J. Banfield