fossil
Cockle Shell Fossil
Cardium (Bivalvia)
Hardness 3 on the Mohs scale, typically white or cream colored, vitreous to dull luster, composed primarily of calcium carbonate (aragonite/calcite).
Identified More fossil →
Explore Cockle Shell Fossil in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 3 on the Mohs scale, typically white or cream colored, vitreous to dull luster, composed primarily of calcium carbonate (aragonite/calcite).
Formation & geological history
Formed through the process of permineralization and fossilization where ancient marine mollusk shells are preserved in sedimentary rock layers over thousands to millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used for educational purposes, fossil collecting, paleontology studies, and sometimes decorative display.
Geological facts
Cockles are marine bivalve mollusks that burrow into sand or mud. Fossilized shells help geologists date sedimentary strata and understand ancient marine ecosystems.
Field identification & locations
Found worldwide in coastal sedimentary deposits and limestone formations. Easily identifiable by their heart-shaped profile when viewed from the side and distinct radiating ribs.
More like this
Other fossil specimens
Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix
Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea
fossil
Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)
Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)
sedimentary
Chert with Fossil Brachiopod
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion
sedimentary
Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone
Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix
fossil
Fossiliferous Limestone
Limestone with embedded fossil cross-section
sedimentary
Fossiliferous Limestone with Crinoid stems
Limestone (CaCO3) containing Crinoidea fossils
sedimentary