What is the meaning of the furniture term Mother-Of-Pearl?

Mother-of-pearl is a term used to describe a decorative material that is produced from the inner layer of a mollusk shell. It is renowned for its iridescent, pearly appearance, which displays a range of shimmering colors, often resembling the colors found in a rainbow. Mother-of-pearl is commonly used as an inlay or veneer in furniture, adding a touch of elegance and opulence to the piece. It can be found on surfaces such as tabletops, drawer fronts, or even as decorative accents. The term mother-of-pearl is derived from the fact that the material forms the lining inside the shells that protect and nurture the mollusks eggs. Hard inner layer of shells, used for inlays since the 16th century.