Shiva's Eye or Cat's Eye (Operculum of a marine gastropod)
Turbo cf. petholatus • Body fossil / Invertebrate marine operculum
Geological Period
Recent / Subfossil (often found as beach-worn modern or Holocene marine deposits, though true fossil examples exist from the Cenozoic)
Estimated Age
Subfossil to Holocene (0 to 10,000 years, or older depending on specific geological context)
Preservation Type
Original aragonitic/calcitic shell material preservation (often unaltered or slightly polished by wave action)
Condition Assessment
Very Good; smooth, well-preserved spiral pattern with minimal edge wear, though naturally tumbled by wave action
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Mollusca, Class Gastropoda, Order Littorinimorpha, Family Turbinidae, Genus Turbo
Morphological Description
Calcareous, heavily calcified operculum with a convex exterior surface showing a distinctive spiral growth pattern (paucispiral or multispiral depending on the species) resembling an eye. The back is flat to slightly concave with a scarred attachment area where the animal anchored its muscle.
Rock Matrix
None attached; loose beach-worn or tumbled specimen
Formation & Location
Indo-Pacific marine coastal deposits, tropical beaches, and shallow-water marine sediments
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1.5 cm to 2 cm in diameter, consistent with medium-sized turban snails
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $20 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common
Scientific Significance
Illustrates the durable calcified operculum structure used by marine gastropods for protection against predators and desiccation; commonly studied in malacology and taphonomy
Preparation Recommendations
No preparation necessary. Clean gently with fresh water and mild soap if needed. Store in a dry environment away from acidic solutions which can dissolve calcium carbonate.
Notable Features
Striking natural eye-like spiral coloration and polished dome shape, widely used historically and culturally as a gemstone or amulet known as 'Shiva's Eye'