Many small (micro) shells are quite translucent.  However, when dead
collected they are no longer so.  I have no idea of how long after death
before the translucency is lost and what process is taking place.  Can
the more scientifically educated among us shed some light on this?  And
particularly, can you put a name on this process?
 
Marlo
 
"There's a reason paradigm isn't pronounced like it looks."