Abstract: The freshwater and seawater pearl samples with different colours are investigated by using Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectrometer and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer(GFAAS).The results indicate that the colour of pearl is in close relationship with some trace elements rather than organic ingredient,and the content of some trace elements is much richer with deeper colour for pearls.For the freshwater pearl samples respectively from Zhuji,Zhejiang Province,and Wuhu,Jiangsu Province,they contain the same sorts of trace elements except the content of few trace elements is different.The content of Mn in freshwater pearl samples is quite higher than that in seawater pearl samples.