fossil

Cowrie Shell Fossil

Cypraea sp.

Hardness varies around 3 on the Mohs scale depending on preservation; composition is primarily calcium carbonate (aragonite or calcite); smooth, glossy porcelain-like luster; oval, dome-shaped exterior with a long, narrow, toothed aperture.

Identified August 3, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from marine mollusk shells deposited in marine sedimentary environments over millions of years, often undergoing fossilization and mineral replacement.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, decorative items, historical currency, and as a collectible geological/paleontological specimen.

Geological facts

Cowrie shells have a deep history of human use, having served as a form of currency across parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific for centuries.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive rounded, glossy dorsal side and narrow aperture with 'teeth' along both margins; commonly found in marine sedimentary rock layers and coastal deposits.