mineral
Sea Shell Fragment (Calcium Carbonate)
Aragonite / Calcite (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cream, tan; Luster: Pearly to dull; Structure: Orthorhombic or Trigonal; Specific Gravity: 2.7-2.9
- Hardness
- 3-4 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, cream, tan
- Luster
- Pearly to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cream, tan; Luster: Pearly to dull; Structure: Orthorhombic or Trigonal; Specific Gravity: 2.7-2.9
Formation & geological history
Biogenic formation through secretion by marine mollusks; essentially modern to Holocene age; formed in marine environments.
Uses & applications
Used in decorative arts, jewelry making, garden mulch, and industrial source for lime and calcium.
Geological facts
While biologically produced, shells are composed of the mineral polymorphs aragonite and calcite. They are the primary source material for biological sedimentary rocks like limestone.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its spiral shape fragments, pearly luster, and reaction (fizzing) with dilute acid. Found globally on coastlines and beaches.
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