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 full clams trapped in matrix. Both are recrystallized calcite replaced with clear zones evident. NOTE: These clams do not have any of the honey calcite crystals. But they sure are very cool!

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. In addition, an attractive and informative display card accompanies the specimen.

Notes specific to this specimen: A complete clam with druzy honey calcite crystals exposed on the front and a recrystallized shell on back. A very unique specimen.

SIZE: 4″x 3″x 2″

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. In addition, 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! This piece has a sawn flat bottom so it stands up nicely on its own.
SIZE: 7″x 5″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. In addition, an attractive and informative display card accompanies the specimen.

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. 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. In addition, an attractive and informative display card accompanies the specimen.

Notes specific to this specimen: Lots going on here: Three shells with shiny nice dogtooth calcite crystals trapped in matrix. Plus a superb large shell with great recrystallization.

SIZE: 9″x 8″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. In addition, an attractive and informative display card accompanies the specimen.

Notes specific to this specimen: At our Rucks Pit site we sometimes come across fossil welks (conchs).  On rare occasions they may be crystalized.  This one has been cut in half to show the great crystal-lined hollow section inside.  Rare find.

SIZE: 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. In addition, an attractive and informative display card accompanies the specimen.