2.1" Polished Cut Slab Of Fossil Turritella Shells Eocene Age Wyoming Gastropod Shells

Location: Wyoming, United States

Weight: 1.3 Ounces

Dimensions: 2.1 Inches Long, 1.7 Inches Wide, 0.3 Inches Thick

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

Fossil Turritella shells in Wyoming are primarily found within the Eocene Green River Formation, especially in the Wilkins Peak Member, where the famous Turritella beds occur. These shells, belonging to the genus Turritella, are recognized for their high-spired, conical shape and numerous tightly coiled whorls.

The thick layers of Turritella shells indicate that at certain times, shallow marine or brackish-water conditions existed within an otherwise freshwater lake system, allowing large populations of these filter-feeding snails to flourish.

The Green River Formation is renowned for its exceptional fossil preservation, including fish, insects, and plants, preserved under the anoxic conditions of ancient lakes. The Turritella beds represent a distinct facies within this lacustrine environment, reflecting episodes of marine incursions or increased salinity. By studying the morphology, abundance, and distribution of these shells, paleontologists can reconstruct the ancient ecosystems and understand the environmental changes that shaped Wyoming during the Eocene epoch.