Crystal Clam

Crystalized fossil clams like this are exceptionally rare. These clams lived in a shallow sea that covered most of Florida 2 million years ago. A sudden storm event buried the clams, trapping cavities inside. When the shells began to dissolve, it provided the material necessary to grow calcite crystals in the open spaces. These unusual fossils are known from only one site, an old quarry near Lake Okeechobee. The quarry played out and flooded in 2007. We excavated this in 2023. An attractive and informative display card accompanies the specimen.

Notes specific to this specimen: Two excellent calcite replaced full clams trapped in matrix, both with clear crystal zones evident.

SIZE: 10″x 5″x 4″

NAME: Mercenaria permagna
AGE: Pleistocene 2 million years
UNIT: Nashua Formation
SITE: Okeechobee County, Florida

Documentation: This authentic fossil specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and Origin.

Crystalized fossil clams like this are exceptionally rare. These clams lived in a shallow sea that covered most of Florida 2 million years ago. A sudden storm event buried the clams, trapping cavities inside. When the shells began to dissolve, it provided the material necessary to grow calcite crystals in the open spaces. These unusual fossils are known from only one site, an old quarry near Lake Okeechobee. The quarry played out and flooded in 2007. We excavated this in 2023. An attractive and informative display card accompanies the specimen.

Notes specific to this specimen: Great honey calcite crystals replacing multiple clam shells trapped in matrix. Some excellent radial calcite crystals here as well. This piece has a sawn flat bottom so it stands up nicely on its own

SIZE: 7″x 4″x 5″

NAME: Mercenaria permagna
AGE: Pleistocene 2 million years
UNIT: Nashua Formation
SITE: Okeechobee County, Florida

Documentation: This authentic fossil specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and Origin.

Crystalized fossil clams like this are exceptionally rare. These clams lived in a shallow sea that covered most of Florida 2 million years ago. A sudden storm event buried the clams, trapping cavities inside. When the shells began to dissolve, it provided the material necessary to grow calcite crystals in the open spaces. These unusual fossils are known from only one site, an old quarry near Lake Okeechobee. The quarry played out and flooded in 2007. We excavated this in 2023. An attractive and informative display card accompanies the specimen.

Notes specific to this specimen: Stunning piece! Great honey calcite crystals replacing multiple clam shells trapped in matrix. Some excellent radial calcite crystals here as well. This piece has a sawn flat bottom so it stands up nicely on its own.

SIZE: 9″x 6″x 6″

NAME: Mercenaria permagna
AGE: Pleistocene 2 million years
UNIT: Nashua Formation
SITE: Okeechobee County, Florida

Documentation: This authentic fossil specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and Origin.