Where is Turritella Fossil found?
Turritella (fossilized gastropod)
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Open the appTurritella Fossil occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Turritella Fossil
Green River Formation, Wyoming, USA
Famous for its abundant and well-preserved Turritella fossils, particularly in the 'Turritella Beds' of the Eocene-aged Green River Formation. These are often silicified (agatized).
France
Various localities, particularly in Eocene deposits, yield Turritella fossils, often in calcareous matrices.
Egypt
Eocene deposits in the Fayum Depression and other areas contain significant Turritella fossil occurrences.
Other global marine sedimentary basins
Turritella species are widespread in Cenozoic marine sedimentary rocks globally, so occurrences can be found in many countries with appropriate geological formations.
Collecting tips
- Geological Maps. Consult geological maps for areas known to have Cenozoic marine sedimentary formations, especially those indicating fossiliferous limestone or chert beds.
- Coastal and Inland Sedimentary Deposits. Look in exposed sedimentary rock layers in coastal areas, river valleys, road cuts, and quarries that were once ancient marine environments.
- Identifying Shell Beds. Search for layers of rock that appear to be densely packed with small, spiral shell shapes. The matrix may be lighter or darker than the shells themselves.
- Tools for Collection. A rock hammer, chisel, and safety glasses are useful for extracting specimens from rock outcrops. For loose pieces, simply picking them up is sufficient.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Brown, black, gray, tan, cream (often mottled)
- Luster:
- Vitreous to waxy (if silicified), dull to earthy (if calcareous)
- Streak:
- White (for both silicified and calcareous varieties)
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