Rock Identifier
Shiva's Eye (Cat's Eye Shell) (Operculum of Turbo marmoratus) — fossil
fossil

Shiva's Eye (Cat's Eye Shell)

Operculum of Turbo marmoratus

Hardness: 3-4 on Mohs scale; Color: White, brown, and green with a central spiral 'eye' pattern; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Calcium carbonate (aragonite/calcite); Cleavage: None

Hardness
3-4 on Mohs scale
Color
White, brown, and green with a central spiral 'eye' pattern
Luster
Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties

Hardness: 3-4 on Mohs scale; Color: White, brown, and green with a central spiral 'eye' pattern; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Calcium carbonate (aragonite/calcite); Cleavage: None

Formation & geological history

Formed organically as the calcareous operculum (trapdoor) of marine sea snails (turban shells), found in tropical Indo-Pacific reefs.

Uses & applications

Used widely in jewelry, talismanic items, and as a popular decorative or collector's shell piece.

Geological facts

Often referred to as Shiva's Eye or the third eye of Shiva, these natural opercula wash up on beaches and are traditionally believed to bring good luck and ward off evil.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its smooth, domed shape featuring a distinctive dark spiral center resembling an eye, commonly collected along tropical beaches.

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