Dear friends This is a most intriguing question! I am not aware of such process, unless of course is something to do with the removal of encrustations, periostracum, etc, which may add a few millimeters to the overall size of the shell in its natural state and obviously disappear upon removal by the usual cleaning techniques. Treatment with chemicals (i.e. acids) and polishing also reduce the size of the shell. These processes are mostly used in commercial shell cleaning. I do not believe that changes in temperature could induce any significant or particularly noticeable change in size of a Conus shell. Interesting, though Manuel Jimenez Tenorio Jerez, Cadiz SPAIN ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs To leave this list, click on the following web link: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1 Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and click leave the list. ----------------------------------------------------------------------