Shiva's Eye or Mermaid's Eye (Operculum of a marine gastropod)
Turbo cf. marmoratus or related turban snail species • Body fossil (calcareous operculum of a marine gastropod, invertebrate)
Geological Period
Neogene to Quaternary (often found as modern or sub-fossil material, sometimes older fossilized deposits)
Estimated Age
Recent to 2.5 million years (sub-fossil/fossilized depending on deposit)
Preservation Type
Original aragonite/calcite mineralization (often preserved in coastal sediments or shallow marine deposits)
Condition Assessment
Very Good. Intact specimen with clear, distinct spiral ornamentation and minimal surface wear
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Mollusca, Class Gastropoda, Order Littorinimorpha, Family Turbinidae, Genus Turbo
Morphological Description
Small, plano-convex, oval-to-circular button-like disc. The flat to slightly concave side shows a prominent spiral pattern (the opercular whorls) with brownish-green tones on a white calcareous background, while the reverse is typically smooth and convex.
Rock Matrix
None attached; loose specimen cleaned of sand or coastal sediment matrix
Formation & Location
Found globally in tropical and temperate shallow marine environments, commonly washed ashore in the Indo-Pacific region
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 15 mm to 20 mm in diameter, consistent with medium-sized turban snails
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common
Scientific Significance
Demonstrates the preservation of aragonitic gastropod opercula, which are less frequently recovered in pristine condition in the fossil record compared to shells due to their detachment and potential for post-mortem transport
Preparation Recommendations
Requires no further preparation. Store in a dry environment away from acidic solutions which can dissolve the calcium carbonate structure
Notable Features
Distinct natural eye-like spiral motif on the outer surface, commonly collected worldwide as a decorative element and lapidary item