fossil

Gastropod shell fragment

Calcareous mollusk shell; primarily aragonite or calcite (CaCO₃)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, cream-colored, curved and likely polished or weathered, with a smooth pearly luster; hardness about 3–4 Mohs. The visible curvature and layered texture are consistent with shell material rather than crystalline stone.

Identified August 12, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed biologically by a marine or freshwater gastropod, commonly during the Cenozoic or later; shell material may be modern, subfossil, or fossilized through recrystallization and mineral replacement.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative or craft material, jewelry component, aquarium material, or collectible; scientific value depends on species and preservation.

Geological facts

Shells commonly preserve growth lines and spiral geometry, though this fragment is too incomplete for confident species identification.

Field identification & locations

Look for concentric growth layers, a curved whorled form, and carbonate reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid or vinegar; common in beaches, limestones, and shell beds. The image alone cannot distinguish modern shell from fossilized shell.