sedimentary
Turritella Agate
Chalcedony quartz with fossilized Elimia tenera gastropods
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, dark brown to black color with distinct spiral snail fossils, vitreous to waxy luster, and cryptocrystalline structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, dark brown to black color with distinct spiral snail fossils, vitreous to waxy luster, and cryptocrystalline structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed in ancient Eocene freshwater environments, approximately 50 million years ago, as silica-rich fluids replaced organic shells.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary arts, tumbled stones, wire-wrapped jewelry, and by fossil or mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Despite the commercial name, the fossilized shells actually belong to freshwater gastropods of the genus Elimia, not Turritella sea snails.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by the striking pattern of white spiral snail fossils contrasted against a dark chalcedony matrix. Found primarily in Wyoming, USA.
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