Many thanks Paul!! It's an explanation that fits very well on what I have
found. Since in ten years of shell collection I've never found or heard
about it, it was very strange to see it coming out of my shell.

Best regards and a happy 2003,

Eduardo

-----Mensagem original-----
De: Paul Monfils [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Enviada em: segunda-feira, 6 de janeiro de 2003 11:00
Assunto: Re: "Hard" soft parts?!!


Dear Eduardo,

As cones grow, the early whorls are gradually dissolved to make more room
inside the shell. The inner shell walls become increasingly thinner and more
fragile. I believe your hard material is the partially dissolved wall of the
inner whorls of the shell.

Regards,
Paul M.