Rock Identifier
Fossil Snail Shell (Embedded in Resin) (Gastropoda fossil) — fossil
fossil

Fossil Snail Shell (Embedded in Resin)

Gastropoda fossil

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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.

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Physical properties

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.

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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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
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

sedimentary
Weathered fossil bone fragment (identification uncertain) (Fossilized bone; exact taxon and mineral composition cannot be determined from the image) — fossil

Weathered fossil bone fragment (identification uncertain)

Fossilized bone; exact taxon and mineral composition cannot be determined from the image

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