I am wondering about a very pale Cypraea lamarki i have from
Zanzibar.  It has virtually none of the pitting or scratches typical of
subfossil specimens, yet it is "washed out" in color in a fashion
similar to the way subfossils become.  The question is: is it possible
to have a subfossil with no pitting or scratches?  Personally i can't
see it, because they have to be dead first, then they are surrounded by
sand for thousands of years - so one would think they would pick up at
least a few "dings" in that process.
    Here is the critter in question:
http://www.schnr-specimen-shells.com/26454.JPG - it has a couple of
small pit-like marks, but i have looked at it under 10x and it has no
scratches.  One of my more knowledgeable customers says it is a
sub-fossil, but i am decidedly unconvinced.  Opinions?

 From still chilly New Scotland,
Ross Mayhew.

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