607

Large Calcite Clam (Pleistocene Age) Found In FL

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:50.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Large Calcite Clam (Pleistocene Age) Found In FL
For your consideration is this large calcite clam from the early Pleistocene period (2.6 to 0.8 million years ago) found in Florida. The piece's name alludes to the replacement of portions of fossilized clamshells by calcite crystals. It is known to exist only at a single locality at Fort Drum, Florida. Clamshell Calcite is often white or colorless, but impurities create a wide range of pale colors. Calcite develops in many mineralogical environments including, in the case of “clamshell” calcite, sedimentary rocks. In the “clamshell” variety, calcite has replaced parts of the fossilized shells of Mercenaria permagna clams within a limestone matrix. The piece shows a heavy collection of other sediments around the calcite clamshell. The shell shows colors of very light orange and tan with streaks of white throughout. The piece measures approximately 4 5/8" L x 4 1/2" W x 3 7/8" H and weighs 1 pound and 10 ounces.