Mined from: Fleury-la-Rivière area, Paris Basin, France

Era: Paleogene Period
Geological Age: 23-56 mya

Description: This one-of-a-kind fossil specimen from France features a long, high-spired gastropod shell exposed across a broad piece of fossil-rich limestone matrix. The shell shows a gradual increase in whorl size from the narrow tip toward the larger broken body section, with deep sutures separating each rounded whorl. Tan, cream, and light brown colouring runs consistently through both the shell and matrix. Several additional shell fragments and marine fossils are visible throughout the surrounding rock, giving the piece the appearance of a naturally preserved section of ancient seafloor.

Turritella is a general name commonly used for tall-spired marine gastropods with tightly coiled shells. These snails lived on or within soft seafloor sediment and fed on small organic particles. Fossils of similar high-spired gastropods occur in several marine formations across France, especially in deposits from the Cenozoic Era.

Spiritually, spiral shell fossils are often associated with gradual growth, patience, continuity, adaptability, and the natural cycles of change. Their steadily expanding form is sometimes used as a symbol of personal development and moving forward while remaining connected to the past. These associations are traditional and symbolic rather than scientifically proven.

Quantity: 1pc

With this product, you will get the actual stone in the photograph. We do what we can to buy good quality products and price them honestly. The rocks may differ from the photos, but we hope we do them justice.