fossil

Fossil gastropod shell

Fossilized or mineral-replaced gastropod (class Gastropoda), exact genus indeterminate

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, coiled spiral form with raised whorls and likely carbonate composition; typically calcite or aragonite, Mohs hardness about 3–4, dull to slightly lustrous, with no prominent cleavage. The blurred image prevents reliable determination of shell preservation and mineral replacement.

Identified September 18, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when a marine or freshwater snail shell was buried in sediment and preserved through compaction, cementation, and partial mineral replacement. Its age cannot be determined visually and may range from Paleozoic to Cenozoic depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for collecting, education, and paleontological study; attractive examples may be sold as decorative fossils, but it has no major industrial use.

Geological facts

The visible spiral geometry is characteristic of gastropods, whose shells grow by adding material around an expanding aperture. Fossil shells are commonly preserved in limestone, shale, and sandstone.

Field identification & locations

Look for a continuous logarithmic spiral, distinct whorls, an aperture, and carbonate reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid; common sources include sedimentary rocks worldwide. Avoid acid testing if preservation or value matters.