JH13208 Fluorescent Fossil Whelk, Ruck’s Pitt, FL

Description

Up for bid are the fossilized insides of a Busycon Whelk shell from the Ruck’s Pitt Mine near Fort Drum Florida. Most of the shell was destroyed when the specimen was removed from the matrix, however the mineral deposits inside kept the outline of the shell. There is still a little bit of matrix at the top and a little bit of inner part of the shell.
The neat thing about this specimen is you can see the different stages of mineralization. It looks like the shell partially filled with silt which turned into stone. On top of this layer are some small Calcite crystals. Deeper inside the shell are much larger Calcite crystals. It is interesting that the larger crystals formed in the smaller inner chambers of the shell and the smaller crystals formed in the larger outer chambers. All the Calcite crystals fluoresce a cream color under all UV wavelengths and are also phosphorescent.
You mainly see clam shells from this location. The simple construction of the clam means you can pop the shell off and see the Calcite crystals. The Whelk shells require much more effort to prepare so they aren’t sold as often. This location is now closed to collecting.
Calcite (FL Cream, SW, MW, LW, Phosphorescent)
Location: Ruck's Pitt, Fort Drum, FL
Size: 3.4" x 2.6" x 2.5"
Weight: 6 oz
Contact me if you have any questions. Be sure to check out my eBay store:
Jim's Obscure Stuff
for more fluorescent minerals and other unusual items.
Shipping
I use Fed Exp Ground for most of my domestic shipping. I only charge actual shipping costs with no extra charges for packing or shipping materials. I think I finally have combined shipping working on eBay. The automatic invoice from eBay should now have the correct shipping amount. If you see any problems with the shipping amount please let me know.