I replied to the original inquiry reporting that I had also found a Strombus
raninus with a black ventral side in the keys.  Although I have observed many
hundreds in the same area over the years, only this one was black.  The
comments that this was probably the results of aging are probably accurate.
The source of the original inquiry should let us know if his specimen was an
older one (very thick lip) like the one I found.
 
Marlo
Florida
 
Helmut Nisters wrote:
 
> Another question:
>
> Is there where the black raninus are the water or feed full of
> iron and oxyde. Maybe this will an explanation.
> Helmut
>
> ----------
> > Howdy Sarah,
> >
> > The topic of color interests me very much as I used to teach color
> > theory seminars to weavers..took 'em right to the edge of quantum
> > mechanics and then stopped because they all had that glazed look in the
> > eyes.And if Paul will overlook this bit of bad logic, which I am
> > probably becoming famous for in many circles...the following suggests
> > itself..
> >
> >              Black is a combination of all colors, and
> >              White is a combination of all colors
> >              Ergo, black is white.
> >
> > As a weaver/dyer, when given time, I find it important to work both with
> > subtractive and additive color theories to analyze objects that I am
> > trying to get a feel for. I may be able to study an object under full
> > spectrum lighting to find the correct pigment blend, but then it changes
> > when put into context with other objects because of simultaneous
> > contrast, lighting situations, etc. I have used shells for color and
> > design inspiration on many occassions, and I do have a certain affection
> > for the weird ones.(Even thought I can't explain them.)
> >
> > Hvae a colorful day!
> > Patti in New Mexico
> >
> > ______________________________________________________
> > Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
> >