Rare Fossilized Clam Shell W/Calcite, Fort Drum Mine, Florida 5. 2x4. 2x3 Cm
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:4495100 | Country/Region of Manufacture: United States |
Rare Fossilized Clam Shellw/Calcite, Fort Drum Mine, Florida (5.2x 4.2 x 3 cm)Description:· Rare fossilizedclam shell with lustrous large golden Calcites · Beautiful clamshell with shell hinge in the back intact and the other side is filled with abundantlarge golden calcites· Calcites in thisspecimen replaced the Mercenaria Permagna clam within in this specimen, makingit very unique· This specimen also has unique Ca...lcite Crystal formations such as prismatic with good sharp pointed terminations, Flowers, and Clear windows· Source: RucksPit, Fort Drum Crystal Mine, Okeechobee County, Florida· Size:Approximately 5.2 x 4.2 x 3 cm· Condition: Good, on display in cabinet only. An amazing large miniature size Mercenaria Permagna clam shell, 5.2 x 4.2 x 3 cm in size, abundantly filled with large golden calcites within, from Rucks’ Pit/Fort DrumMine, Okeechobee County, Florida. The clams that produce these crystals infossilization are approximately 3 million years old. Florida is the only knownplace in the world that have these calcite crystals in fossilized shells. Year2005 showcased many of these wonderful crystal fossils, but since then, premiumquality specimens such as this featured specimen, are getting harder to obtainand now rare.Thebeautiful golden calcite crystals within this fossilized clam shell are verywell formed, prismatic, good pointed terminations and very sharp like a dogtooth with clear windows, the largest is almost1.5 cm wide! They also have good transparency with natural inclusions and underlight, you can even catch a few rainbow hues. This featured specimen is alsovery unique in its formation as it has a sturdy shell hinge in the back and atthe base of the shell hinge, the calcites are spread out like flowers, veryfascinating indeed, truly a wonder of nature.Much ofthe Coquina matrix has been removed, however, it allows for easier handlingplus this provides an excellent opportunity for the observer to fullyappreciate the exposed side of the complete clam shell that has the fascinatingdistinctive pattern, including the shell hinge.This finecollector specimen is rare, truly one of a kind and extremely hard to find nowas the mine has been flooded and now closed. It’s stunning display offossilization, the distinctive pattern of the exposed clam shell plus the lustrouslarge calcite crystal formations and most of all its rarity, certainly makesthis specimen a must have in any mineral collection! This amazing specimen canbe yours for $59 plus shipping & handling Specimen Background information: FossilCalcite Clam Shells (i.e. Calcite replaced Clam Shells) are rare fossils andonly found in Ft. Drum Florida. These rare fossils are around 2-3 million yearsold. The honey colored calcite crystals found within the large well-fossilized and calcified marine clamshells are on a coquinamatrix in the Nashua Formation(Pleistocene) and is composed of cemented marine fossils with calcite.FortDrum was a town in Okeechobee County, Florida, United States, located on US441, between Yeehaw Junction and Okeechobee. The Ruck’s Pit orFort Drum Mine was first discovered in the early 1990’s by Dr. Thomas M. Scottof the Florida Geological Survey. Dr. Scott discovered the presence of calcitespar geodes within a gray sandy limestone in the old Rucks pit (now the largerecreational lake adjacent to the mine campground). The calcite geodes hadformed as large aggregations of dogtooth spar growing inside fossilized clams(bibalve mollusks) and whelks (gastropod mollusks). The Mercenaria Permagnaclams are found in living position within gray sandy limestone, and are largelyconfined to a stratigraphic zone 0.3 – 0.6m thick throughout the pit. Becausethese Mercenaria are found in hinge-up living position, it has been suggestedthat they died in place due to a catastrophic event, such as sudden burial orfreshwater poisoning resulting from a hurricane, tsunami or othercauses. The size of the crystals (to over 3 cm in length) and theoccurrence of many complete articulated crystal-filled clams make this occurrenceunique. Fort Drum is the only known locale for crystal bearing fossil shellsbut unfortunately, the mine is flooded and now closed. Hence, such specimensare now a rare find.Note:**Allspecimens are taken in natural and regular lighting only. This featuredspecimen looks even better in person in order to appreciate this now rarewonder of nature, specifically the unique calcite formation habits, the detailon the clam shell, including the overall form, shape and structure, andespecially the lustrous golden color, its transparency and rainbow hues can bedifficult to capture in its entirety on camera. Color may be a little differentdue to the color calibration of each individual monitor or light levels. **Aswith all genuine mineral specimens, there may be natural inclusions, formationsand impressions. In all crystal-bearing specimens, specifically this type offossilized specimen, a portion of the sides (and sometimes tops) of the clamshells have been dissolved by ground water. This creates “natural windows” intoeach clam, allowing the internal crystallization to be more easily seen, including minor abrasions on the edges and tips due to the excavation process.We haveposted close up pictures at all angles for your viewing pleasure in this listing, to show you the unique details - color, form, shape, structure, formationhabits and overall beauty of this fine specimen.**We will only ship tothe 48 contiguous U.S. states (No International). **All orders ship within 3-5 business days after receiving clearedpayment. Returns accepted ONLY if item is not as described or shown andmust be in the condition it was received. A 10% re-stocking fee will becharged. All returns must be made within 7 calendar days and buyer pays forreturn shipping. No returns or refunds are accepted after this time period.All returns must be in original packaging and shipped withTracking and Insured for full value of the item. Please provide shipping info –shipper, tracking number - to us when package is sent back.Feel free to contact us should you have anyquestions. Please also visit our other listings. Thank you for stoppingby and do come back again.
