fossil

Fossil Snail Shell (Embedded in Resin)

Gastropoda fossil

Hardness varies on Mohs scale (typically around 3-4 for aragonite/calcite shells); color ranges from white with brown spiral bands to various mineralized earth tones; vitreous to dull luster; orthorhombic or trigonal crystal systems for the constituent calcium carbonate minerals.

Identified August 3, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the fossilization or preservation of ancient gastropod shells in sedimentary environments, often found in marine or terrestrial limestone and shale deposits spanning various geological periods.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as educational specimens, decorative objects, collector items, and sometimes incorporated into jewelry.

Geological facts

Gastropods are one of the most successful classes of animals in Earth's history, appearing in the fossil record as far back as the Cambrian period over 500 million years ago.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by their distinctive coiled spiral shell morphology. Frequently found in sedimentary rock formations rich in ancient lake or sea beds.

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Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

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Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

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Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

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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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