sedimentary
Turritella Agate
Chalcedony quartz with fossilized gastropods
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, waxy luster, and opaque brownish-black color featuring distinct spiral fossil shells.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, waxy luster, and opaque brownish-black color featuring distinct spiral fossil shells.
Formation & geological history
Formed in ancient freshwater lake beds and lagoons during the Eocene epoch through silicification of snail shells.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in lapidary arts, tumbled stones, wire-wrapped jewelry, and cabochons.
Geological facts
Despite the name, the fossil shells are actually from freshwater Elimia snails, not true marine Turritella gastropods.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by the striking white or translucent spiral snail fossils embedded within a dark chalcedony matrix, found primarily in Wyoming, USA.
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