The opihi shell is a limpet and found only in Hawaii and nowhere else in the world. It inhabits the rough coastal waters which makes it very dangerous to gather the shellfish. Known to many as Hawaii's escagot this delicacy is still gathered till today but sadly with sometimes loss of life.

During ancient times it was used as a scrapping tool. With its serrated edge rim, they scaled fish and stripped bark from trees to make rope. The early Hawaiians also used the opihi shell to make fish hooks, fishing lures and cooking utensils.It was a highly treasured personal jewelry worn by many Hawaiians including the "Alii" or ruling class of Hawaii.
Encrusted with barnacles and seaweed vegetation growing on its shell, they and its hardened ridges are all sanded away to reveal a layer of shell that is of pearl like quality. This area then grounded up into a powder form and combined with polymer binders and other ingredients to create these switch plates and other products.They glow in the dark when activated by light.

This product is made in Hawaii. Building ,electrical ,remodeling contractors,interior decorators,architects etc.can now can offer their customers a choice of switchplates that will accentuate their interior design creations.