Rock Identifier

fossil

Fossil Shell

Invertebrate fossil (Bivalvia)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness varies by mineral replacement (typically Mohs 3-4 for calcite), orange-yellow coloration, vitreous to dull luster, layered organic structure.

Identified November 14, 2026More fossil →

Explore Fossil Shell in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness varies by mineral replacement (typically Mohs 3-4 for calcite), orange-yellow coloration, vitreous to dull luster, layered organic structure.

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization or replacement of ancient marine organism shells in sedimentary environments over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used in educational displays, fossil collecting, and occasionally crafted into decorative jewelry.

Geological facts

Fossilized shells provide crucial data for dating sedimentary strata and understanding ancient marine ecosystems.

Field identification & locations

Found in marine sedimentary rock layers worldwide; identifiable by distinct growth rings and preserved symmetrical shell morphology.

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

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 (Invertebrate fossil / Trace fossil) — fossil

Fossil

Invertebrate fossil / Trace fossil

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

Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

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)

Porous limestone pebble (Calcite-rich limestone (primarily CaCO₃); exact identification is uncertain from the image) — sedimentary

Porous limestone pebble

Calcite-rich limestone (primarily CaCO₃); exact identification is uncertain from the image