Great idea John, thank you. CaroleIn a message dated 5/10/2020 9:25:27 AM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Some shell colors fade regardless of light exposure. Queen Conchs often have a bright yellow interior that fades withing weeks or months even in the dark.I assume UV light is primarily responsible for most shells fading, as it is more energetic. If that is indeed the case (experts please weigh in!), maybe look into UV-blocking window film for the case itself? It is available at Home Depot and other such places. - John From: Conchologists List <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Carole Marshall <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Sunday, May 10, 2020 8:28 AM To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]> Subject: [CONCH-L] the color and gloss .. question Interesting thread. On a related note, our Broward Shell Club is putting in an exhibit at the Pompano Pier. It is in a shady spot, in a vertical case. I want to include a deer cowrie (M. cervus). In this case I would like to keep the shine for as many years as possible and it will not matter if it is coated. The exhibit is a one time put it up and leave it, so when it is in, that will be it forever. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what it should be coated with. Understand, this is not something I would do for an indoor exhibit or my own collection. Any ideas?Thanks, Carole Marshall In a message dated 5/10/2020 5:10:52 AM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: When dead shells are buried in dense silt, deprived of oxygen, it can be preserved a long time with its own gloss. Just the color fade following the same process : white becomes yellow, red fades orange, black turns brown. They are named “subfossil” but it is not a scientific name. Most are from the Pleistocene but some from the late Miocene are very well preserved. Many “orange form” found in shell-list are such “subfossil”. Patrice Bail 2 Square La Fontaine 75016 Paris +33(1)45253330 +33(6)32692180 Le 9 mai 2020 à 17:49, Louis Wang <[log in to unmask]> a écrit : Dear all, Is there any articles or your own explanations about why some beached shells(Cypraea, Marginella, Oliva) can keep their gloss but the colors are always yellow and orange, sometimes even pink no matter what kind of colors they used to have? Thanks and kind regards, Louis ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------