Agatized oyster shell
Won an agatized oytser shell on the app WhatNot. The oyster shell was cut on live camera. Both sides of the shell have multiple druzy pockets and both have been polished. I believe the seller stated the shell was found in Florida, USA.
4" x 2"
Other
Yes
Agatized oyster shells from the Florida peninsula are typically 20 to 35 million years old; the Oligocene and Early Miocene epochs. Depending on the specific geological formation where this example was found it could be younger and of the Pliocene layer; 1.8 to 3.5 million years old.
The oyster shells original organic material has been completely replaced by silica (chalcedony or quartz). This process preserves the intricate details of the original shell, but transforms it into a hard, semi-precious stone.
FMV has been assessed looking at the market for raw agate materials for display and lapidary. With a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, agatized shells resist scratching and cracking, making it a desirable stone for jewelry.
