sedimentary
Fossilized Gastropod Internal Mold
Steinkern (Mollusca: Gastropoda)
Dull to earthy luster, gray to tan color, hardness 3-4 (calcite/limestone base), preserves the internal whorls of a shell without the original shell material.
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Physical properties
Dull to earthy luster, gray to tan color, hardness 3-4 (calcite/limestone base), preserves the internal whorls of a shell without the original shell material.
Formation & geological history
Formed through permineralization or casting when sediment fills the empty shell of a dead snail. As the shell dissolves over millions of years, the hardened sediment core remains. Typically dates from the Paleozoic to Cenozoic eras.
Uses & applications
Scientific research, educational displays, and fossil collecting.
Geological facts
The term 'Steinkern' is German for 'stone kernel'. These fossils are essentially 3D negative impressions of the animal's living space.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by searching sedimentary layers like limestone or shale; look for spiral forms that lack the shiny nacre of modern shells. Commonly found in ancient marine deposits.
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