fossil

Fossil gastropod (snail shell)

Fossilized gastropod; original shell likely aragonite or calcite (CaCO₃), now partly mineral-replaced

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small coiled, rough gray-beige specimen with visible spiral whorls and shell ornamentation; hardness roughly 3–4 Mohs, dull to faintly granular luster, low cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.6–2.8 if calcitic.

Identified August 18, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

A marine or freshwater snail shell was buried in sediment and preserved through compaction, cementation, and partial replacement by carbonate minerals. Exact geological age and species require locality and microscopic study.

Uses & applications

Primarily a natural-history or educational collectible; polished or attractive examples may be used in display pieces and jewelry, but this specimen appears modestly valuable.

Geological facts

The spiral form is the coiled shell, not a mineral crystal; fossil shells commonly preserve their original shape even when their chemistry changes.

Field identification & locations

Look for a regular spiral, growth lines, a central apex, and layered shell texture; acid effervescence suggests carbonate, though testing may damage it. Gastropod fossils occur worldwide in marine limestones, shales, and lake deposits.