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Post by gingerkid on Feb 8, 2015 16:09:42 GMT -5
Here's some spiny shells I recently acquired that I hope y'all may be able to help identify. Thanks in advance for your help! Several of the 'spines' are broken on the shells. This one isn't spiny. Really pretty pink shell. 1. 2. Tried to take a pic of this one turned over, but the orangish-color was blurry. The orange color is around the entire edge of the shell when turned over on the spikes. 3. 4.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2015 16:52:09 GMT -5
Don't know about 1,2, is a variety of spiney clam. three is a scorpion conch.and 4 is a venus comb Dave
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Feb 8, 2015 17:27:12 GMT -5
You need to get a sea shell ID book..............Those are nice!!!
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Post by Peruano on Feb 8, 2015 18:44:05 GMT -5
Do be careful if you decide to grind on them. Shell dust is quite irritating in the lungs - some folks say toxic. I ground a bunch of shells to shape them one time with a primitive drip system and a standard bench grinder. Whether that's the reason I turned out the way I am, I don't know, but do be careful. By the way I'm fine, going on 70 and happy with life, but I had to add the qualifier. Tom
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Post by gingerkid on Feb 9, 2015 13:47:50 GMT -5
Wow, thank you @arrowheadave, for identifying the shells! I appreciate it very much!!! Do you collect shells?? Do you think the first one is a clam? I've seen pics of polished white clams on the web, but cannot find a pinkish-colored one. Thank you, Fossilman! May have to check out a book on shells. Looked up the ones that Dave identified. Fascinating little critters. Found a shell forum that gives suggestions on how to display and store them. From what I understand, shells do not need to be displayed in direct light/sunlight since it may cause the colors in the shells to fade, where they may collect dust, or in a wooden cabinet since the wood gives off some type of acid that will also effect the color of the shells. Do y'all have any other tips on how to display them so they won't lose their color or get damaged? Excellent advice on working with shells, Peruano, and thank you. I 'tried' to cab some Louisiana oyster shells for @rocks2dust one time. One thing I noticed is that even though I worked the shells on a grinding wheel with lots of water, the material coming off would dry very quickly and was very dusty. Thought y'all might enjoy seeing the Pearlite gem: www.lapearlite.com/blog/
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Feb 9, 2015 16:14:02 GMT -5
I actually lived in Guam as a kid.so I have a pretty killer shell collection.used to go down to the reef at low tide and collect in the tidal pools.a lot of cowries that I have are extinct now.actually worth a pretty penny,but worth more as memories.the ones I display I wipe down with baby oil.maybe not on the spiny ones.and yes direct sunlight is there enemy.hope that helps Dave
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Post by snowmom on Feb 9, 2015 17:09:00 GMT -5
#2 is a pacific thorny oyster, I would have called #3 a spider conch and #4 a spiny murex. Would have to see the underside of #1 to be sure of its identity, the outer surface seems quite worn. the first 3 seem to have some wear and tear on them, lovely color on the insde of the conch. I had a huge collection of shells which I had begun in my teens and added to through the years. it was among the things I gave up to be able to retire here (downsizing, we sold a lot of our collections, etc) I still have quite a few of my favorite specimens, they are stored in a glass cabinet away from dust and out of direct light. I never wiped mine with mineral oil, being a cleaning lady I think about all the dust or grime that can be trapped in those little grooves and textured places with oil to hold it there. Easier to just use a soft bristled brush off and on to gently dust them. This forum always surprises me. I hadn't expected to see sea shells! Thanks for the post
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Post by gingerkid on Feb 9, 2015 21:13:25 GMT -5
Thank you, @arrowheadave & snowmom, for the tips and id's! Would enjoy seeing your shell collections, so please post them on the forum. Sure hate to hear you had to downsize your collection, Deb. I think that you may not be able to see the first one very well since I take horrible pics, snowmom. The first pic is of the shell turned over so you can see the 'inside' of it.
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Post by snowmom on Feb 10, 2015 6:32:20 GMT -5
can't be sure, probably California Lysonia clam, the exterior seems very worn and that is a defining feature as well as one that is needed for identity. is it fairly fragile/thin? If so then that seems most likely. I would have a hard time photo-ing them all, but will take a pic of the cabinet with specimens and also the large glass jar which is all I have left of the collections. more soon. I was happy to downsize my collections with the realization that the funds raised would help us retire here, and that my collections would outlive me. I hated the thought of everything ending up in a dumpster somewhere... this way I get to make sure the things I love can go to somebody else who appreciates them as well. that's a win.
too bright, but you get the idea. not many shells left but a few just to enjoy.
specimen cabinet, a few I couldn't bear to part with/ and a few cherished memories from my kids' childhood.
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spiritstone
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2014
Posts: 2,061
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Post by spiritstone on Feb 10, 2015 7:30:39 GMT -5
I never realized how many varieties of shells there are,thanks for sharing ladies. What is the mutated corn on the cob one? I think your fish needs to be in water Snowmom, he looks a little dry.
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Post by snowmom on Feb 10, 2015 8:48:51 GMT -5
mutated corn on the cob? looking at the photos, I am guessing you are seeing the side view of a starfish... upper left in the jar? Poor fish is hopeless, must be petrified already, he hasn't changed position since I got him (resin)
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Post by gingerkid on Feb 10, 2015 12:18:13 GMT -5
Impressive shell collection, snowmom, and glad you were able to keep some of 'em! Thanks for posting them for us to admire. Noticed all of the books and remember you mentioned you loved to read. ROLF, spiritstone at your description "mutated corn on the cob." Thanks again on helping id the first one. It is a pearlescent pinkish color on the outside and inside of the shell. I wondered if it may have been polished?
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Post by snowmom on Feb 10, 2015 14:41:51 GMT -5
yes, there is a periostracum-skin on the outside of the shell in nature, sort of papery and brown-ish that was either worn off or polished to remove it. How did you happen to come by these, if its not telling ? I got a lot of my shells from resale shops and garage sales, flea markets. I had one helmet shell as big as my head... that was a hard one to let go... but it was worth a few bucks. shells are so beautiful. sigh
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