Rock Identifier
Gastropod Fossil (Class Gastropoda (fossilized)) — fossil
fossil

Gastropod Fossil

Class Gastropoda (fossilized)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness varies depending on mineral replacement (typically Mohs 3.5-4 if calcite or 7 if silicated), color ranges from tan, brown, to grey, luster is dull to vitreous, spiral shell morphology with distinct whorls.

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Physical properties

Hardness varies depending on mineral replacement (typically Mohs 3.5-4 if calcite or 7 if silicated), color ranges from tan, brown, to grey, luster is dull to vitreous, spiral shell morphology with distinct whorls.

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization or replacement where the original shell material (calcium carbonate) is replaced by minerals like silica, calcite, or pyrite over millions of years in aquatic sedimentary environments, dating from the Paleozoic to Cenozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Used for educational purposes, paleontological research, and as collector specimens.

Geological facts

Gastropods are among the most successful animal groups, appearing in the fossil record over 500 million years ago and adapting to marine, freshwater, and terrestrial habitats.

Field identification & locations

Found in marine and freshwater sedimentary rock layers globally, identified by their distinctive coiled, spiral shell shape. Common in limestone and shale formations.

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

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
Rounded sedimentary pebble (Likely micritic limestone or calcareous sandstone) — sedimentary

Rounded sedimentary pebble

Likely micritic limestone or calcareous sandstone

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Chert with Fossil Brachiopod (Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion) — sedimentary

Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

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