4.5" Mercenaria Permagna Clam Fossil Golden Calcite Crystal Rucks Pit Florida

Location: Fort Drum, Florida, United States

Weight: 8.3 Ounces

Dimensions: 4.5 Inches Long, 3.3 Inches Wide, 1.9 Inches Thick

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

Mercanaria Clams are extinct marine bivalve mollusks that thrived during the Miocene epoch, around 20 million years ago. Part of the family Mercanariidae, these fossil clams are most commonly found in the Middle to Late Miocene sediments of the Florida platform. They are easily identified by their distinctive shell shape and the presence of three to four cardinal teeth on each valve, making them a recognizable and important fossil species.

These fossil clams are notable for their exceptional preservation, with some specimens showing impressions of soft body parts such as the mantle and siphon. This rare preservation allows paleontologists to study the anatomy, behavior, and lifestyle of these ancient bivalves in detail.

Mercanaria fossils are abundant in the Florida Keys, occurring in limestone and dolostone formations. They are frequently found in association with other Miocene marine creatures, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles, offering a vivid snapshot of the Miocene marine ecosystem. These fossils provide key insights into the biodiversity and environmental conditions of Florida’s ancient seas, making them highly valuable to both collectors and researchers.