sedimentary
Turritella Agate
Chalcedony (SiO2) with fossilized Turritella gastropods
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, brown to black color with white fossil inclusions, and a waxy to vitreous luster.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, brown to black color with white fossil inclusions, and a waxy to vitreous luster.
Formation & geological history
Formed in ancient freshwater environments through the silicification of small snail shells embedded in silica-rich sediment.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for tumbled stones, cabochons in jewelry, and decorative ornamental carvings.
Geological facts
Despite the commercial name Turritella, the fossils inside are actually freshwater gastropods named Elimia tenera.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by distinctive spiral gastropod fossil cross-sections embedded within a dark chalcedony matrix, found mainly in Wyoming, USA.
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