fossil
Fossil Shell
Phylum Mollusca (Bivalvia or Brachiopoda)
Hardness: 3-4 (calcite/aragonite), Color: White to off-white, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Trigonal (calcite) or Orthorhombic (aragonite)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 (calcite/aragonite), Color: White to off-white, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal structure: Trigonal (calcite) or Orthorhombic (aragonite)
Formation & geological history
Formed through the fossilization (permineralization or replacement) of marine organism shells in sedimentary environments over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in educational exhibits, fossil collecting, paleontology research, and occasionally in lapidary or jewelry when agatized or replaced by minerals.
Geological facts
Fossil shells provide critical clues about ancient marine ecosystems, paleoclimates, and the timeline of evolutionary history on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Found in sedimentary rock formations, especially limestones, shales, and coastal deposits. Look for distinct ribbed patterns and symmetry.
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Chert with Fossil Brachiopod
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Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone
Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix
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Fossiliferous Limestone
Limestone with embedded fossil cross-section
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Fossiliferous Limestone with Crinoid stems
Limestone (CaCO3) containing Crinoidea fossils
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