3" Clam Fossil Polished Jurassic Madagascar Bivalve Mollusk 150 Million Years Old

Location: Morondava River Basin, Atsimo-Andrefana region, Southwest Madagascar

Weight: 6.2 Ounces

Dimensions: 3 Inches Long, 2 Inches Wide, 1.3 Inches Thick

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

This exquisite Madagascar clam fossil represents a specimen from the Jurassic Period, preserved for approximately 150 million years. As a bivalve mollusk, it exemplifies the sophisticated bilateral shell architecture characteristic of this ancient lineage, wherein two valves unite via a hinge ligament and are manipulated by specialized musculature. The evolutionary lineage of clams extends remarkably far into deep time, with origins traceable to the late Cambrian Period some 510 million years ago. These organisms functioned as filter feeders, employing an elegant hydraulic mechanism to draw water through their bodies and extract sustenance from microscopic plankton and organic particles. A testament to the enduring success of this mollusk design across geological epochs.

Please be aware of the nature of fossils:

Being buried underground for millions of years under immense pressure can be quite rough. Rarely does a fossil emerge perfectly intact; most have undergone some restoration, and some are modified by humans to improve their display. Madagascar's workers do a highly professional job of unearthing and preserving these natural treasures, though natural cracks often appear on the surface. These cracks are part of the fossil's natural charm and are not flaws.