Rock Identifier
Fossil Seashell (Invertebrate fossil (Bivalvia)) — fossil
fossil

Fossil Seashell

Invertebrate fossil (Bivalvia)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness typically around 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale depending on mineralization, color ranges from white to grey or tan, dull to earthy luster, composed mainly of calcium carbonate or replaced by silica.

Identified More fossil →
Explore Fossil Seashell in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Hardness typically around 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale depending on mineralization, color ranges from white to grey or tan, dull to earthy luster, composed mainly of calcium carbonate or replaced by silica.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the process of fossilization where the original shell material of a marine mollusk is preserved, mineralized, or replaced by surrounding sediments over thousands to millions of years in marine sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Used in educational exhibits, fossil collecting, decorative items, and jewelry.

Geological facts

Fossilized shells provide crucial evidence of ancient marine ecosystems and past climates, with some fossil beds dating back hundreds of millions of years to the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras.

Field identification & locations

Found in sedimentary rock formations worldwide, particularly in limestone, shale, and sandstone deposits. Look for distinct exterior ribs, growth lines, and symmetry characteristic of bivalve mollusks.

More like this

Other fossil specimens

Probable fossil-bearing rock or mineral concretion (Unidentified carbonate-rich concretion with a possible fossil inclusion) — fossil

Probable fossil-bearing rock or mineral concretion

Unidentified carbonate-rich concretion with a possible fossil inclusion

fossil
Likely fossil oyster shell (Fossilized bivalve shell; exact species cannot be identified from the image) — fossil

Likely fossil oyster shell

Fossilized bivalve shell; exact species cannot be identified from the image

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

Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

fossil
Fossiliferous limestone (likely a crinoidal or shell-fragment limestone) (Bioclastic limestone, composed chiefly of calcite (CaCO₃)) — sedimentary

Fossiliferous limestone (likely a crinoidal or shell-fragment limestone)

Bioclastic limestone, composed chiefly of calcite (CaCO₃)

sedimentary
Rounded sedimentary pebble (Likely micritic limestone or calcareous sandstone) — sedimentary

Rounded sedimentary pebble

Likely micritic limestone or calcareous sandstone

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

Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

sedimentary