sedimentary
Fossil Bivalve Shell
Class Bivalvia (e.g., Veneriidae family)
Hardness: 3-3.5 (Calcite/Aragonite); Color: Off-white to tan; Luster: Pearly to dull; Structure: Calcified biological shell; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: ~2.7
- Hardness
- 3-3
- Color
- Off-white to tan
- Luster
- Pearly to dull
Identified More sedimentary →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3-3.5 (Calcite/Aragonite); Color: Off-white to tan; Luster: Pearly to dull; Structure: Calcified biological shell; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: ~2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed through the process of permineralization or replacement where biological calcium carbonate is preserved in marine sediments. Can range from the Paleozoic era to the Holocene.
Uses & applications
Used for geological study, biological education, decorative items, and as a component of fossiliferous limestone used in construction.
Geological facts
Bivalves are one of the most successful groups of mollusks. Their fossils are excellent paleoenvironmental indicators, telling scientists about ancient water depths and temperatures.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the symmetrical valves (shells), growth lines, and hinge structure. Commonly found in sedimentary rock outcrops (limestone/shale) and on beaches.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite (primarily SiO2)
sedimentary
Chert Breccia
Brecciated Chert (Microcrystalline Silica)
sedimentary
Sandstone Grain
Clastic Sedimentary Rock Grain (SiO2 dominated)
sedimentary
Shale or Slaty Mudstone
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary