>From: "M. McMahon" <[log in to unmask]> >Reply-To: Conchologists of America List <[log in to unmask]> >To: [log in to unmask] >Subject: Bleached or Fossilized Shell >Date: Tue, 24 Jun 2003 16:53:17 EDT > >Hello Conch-ler's, > >I was in Miami about two weeks ago and I found many different empty shells >along the Rickenbacker Causeway. I am a novice collector so I am still a little >shakey on the scientific names so forgive me if I use the common name. I >believed I found an Atlantic Natica. It is difficult to determine because the >shell appears to be bleached or fossilized. It is pure white on the inside and >outside, I am able to make out the wavy patterns. It looks as though it may >have a few layers that are chipped off. I know this may be a simple question but >for future reference how can I tell the differnce between a fossilized shell >and one that has been bleached by the sun? Can anyone recommend any books on >fossilized shells? I appreciate your help. > >Thanks, > >Monique