Rock Identifier
Conical fossil shell or shell fragment (Likely a gastropod shell fragment; exact taxon indeterminate from the image) — fossil
fossil

Conical fossil shell or shell fragment

Likely a gastropod shell fragment; exact taxon indeterminate from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small tapered, conical brown specimen with a hollow interior and likely layered, slightly lustrous shell material. Original shell aragonite or calcite; hardness about 3–4 Mohs, though fossilization may alter composition.

Identified More fossil →
Explore Conical fossil shell or shell fragment in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Small tapered, conical brown specimen with a hollow interior and likely layered, slightly lustrous shell material. Original shell aragonite or calcite; hardness about 3–4 Mohs, though fossilization may alter composition.

Formation & geological history

Probably a marine mollusk shell or fragment, formed biologically and later buried in sediment; geological age cannot be determined visually and may range from recent to Paleozoic.

Uses & applications

Primarily a teaching or collectible specimen; fossil shells are also used in jewelry and decorative crafts when stable and sufficiently attractive.

Geological facts

The visible cavity and conical coiling suggest a gastropod rather than an igneous or metamorphic rock, but the image is insufficient to distinguish a fossil from a modern shell fragment.

Field identification & locations

Look for spiral growth lines, aperture shape, nacre, and mineral replacement; common sources include marine sedimentary deposits and beaches. A hand lens and acid test by a specialist can help distinguish carbonate shell from other materials.

More like this

Other fossil specimens

Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix (Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea) — fossil

Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

fossil
Chert with Fossil Brachiopod (Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion) — sedimentary

Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

sedimentary
Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale) (Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)) — sedimentary

Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

sedimentary
Weathered fossiliferous sandstone or mudstone cobble (Lithified siliciclastic sediment; the raised curved feature may be a trace fossil or shell impression) — sedimentary

Weathered fossiliferous sandstone or mudstone cobble

Lithified siliciclastic sediment; the raised curved feature may be a trace fossil or shell impression

sedimentary
Weathered limestone or calcareous sandstone (Calcite-rich carbonate rock, chiefly calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), possibly fossiliferous limestone) — sedimentary

Weathered limestone or calcareous sandstone

Calcite-rich carbonate rock, chiefly calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), possibly fossiliferous limestone

sedimentary
Crinoid Stem Fossils (Indian Beads / St. Cuthbert's Beads) (Crinoid columnal ossicles (phylum Echinodermata)) — fossil

Crinoid Stem Fossils (Indian Beads / St. Cuthbert's Beads)

Crinoid columnal ossicles (phylum Echinodermata)

fossil