fossil

Fossilized gastropod (snail)

Gastropoda indet.; likely a mineral-replaced or steinkern fossil

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small coiled shell with spiral whorls, gray-brown coloration, dull earthy luster, and a granular/weathered surface; apparent hardness about 3–6 depending on calcite preservation or silica replacement. The visible form is consistent with a fossil shell rather than a crystalline mineral.

Identified September 5, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Originally a marine or freshwater snail shell, probably aragonite/calcite, buried in sediment and later preserved by mineralization, compaction, or internal sediment infilling. Exact geological age cannot be determined from the image; gastropod fossils range from the Cambrian to Recent.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for education, collecting, and display; complete specimens may have modest decorative value, but it has no significant industrial use.

Geological facts

Spiral whorls are characteristic of gastropods, among the most diverse mollusks in the fossil record. Weathering can obscure the aperture and shell ornamentation.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the continuous spiral coil, expanding whorls, and fossil-like mineral texture; common in limestone, shale, and sandstone deposits worldwide. A close-up of the underside and locality would improve identification.