Rock Identifier
Seashell Fossil (Gastropoda fossil) — fossil
fossil

Seashell Fossil

Gastropoda fossil

Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale), Color: White with dark brown or black banded patterns, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite or calcite)

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3-4 (Mohs scale), Color: White with dark brown or black banded patterns, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal (calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite or calcite)

Formation & geological history

Formed through the process of permineralization or replacement where organic shell material is slowly replaced by minerals like calcite over thousands to millions of years in marine sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Used in educational exhibits, fossil collecting, decorative items, and jewelry.

Geological facts

Many fossilized shells retain their original aragonite or calcite structure, sometimes preserving delicate color patterns depending on the fossilization environment.

Field identification & locations

Found in marine sedimentary rock layers worldwide, often used as index fossils to date geological strata.