fossil

Fossilized scallop shell fragment

Bivalve shell, composed primarily of calcite (CaCO₃)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, fan-shaped fragment with pink-orange and cream growth bands and pronounced radial ribs. Shell material is typically Mohs 3–4, with a pearly to matte luster; exact mineral structure and species cannot be determined from the image.

Identified September 26, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as a marine bivalve shell; fossilization or mineral preservation may occur after burial in sediment, though this may also be a recent beach shell. Age and locality are not identifiable from the image.

Uses & applications

Collected as a natural-history specimen or used in crafts and decoration; no significant industrial use at this size.

Geological facts

Scallop shells grow outward in layers, producing visible growth lines and radiating ribs.

Field identification & locations

The fan shape and ribbing suggest a scallop, but a photograph cannot confirm whether it is fossilized. Scallop shells occur on beaches and in marine sediments worldwide; avoid acid tests, which damage carbonate shell.