Description
Elimia tenera Fossil Gastropod Block (Turritella Agate) – Eocene Epoch, Wyoming, USA
This striking fossil specimen is composed of Elimia tenera (formerly referred to as Turritella) fossil gastropods preserved in silica-rich matrix known as Turritella agate. Originating from the Green River Formation deposits in Wyoming, this fossiliferous agate formed during the Eocene Epoch, around 50 million years ago, when groundwater percolated through fossil-rich sediments and replaced organic material with chalcedony, producing a durable and decorative stone.
Fossil Type & Classification:
- Type: Invertebrate Fossil (Agatised Gastropod Shells in Matrix)
- Genus: Elimia tenera (formerly misattributed as Turritella)
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Order: Sorbeoconcha
- Superfamily: Cerithioidea
- Family: Pleuroceridae
- Described by: Conrad, 1830s (taxonomy clarified by later paleontological review)
Geological & Stratigraphic Details:
- Location: Southwestern Wyoming, USA
- Formation: Green River Formation (Wasatch or Bridger members depending on layer)
- Epoch: Eocene, Paleogene Period
- Age: ~52–46 million years ago
- Depositional Environment: Ancient shallow freshwater lakes, deltas, and fluvial systems where abundant mollusks thrived
Morphology & Features:
- Spired, elongated snail shells with helical whorls and ridged ornamentation
- Silicified matrix of chalcedony, quartz, and agate
- Fossil-packed block with visible cross-sections of gastropod shells in natural alignment
- Natural and polished faces may be present to highlight internal shell structure and contrast between fossil and matrix
Notable: Although long referred to as Turritella agate, this material is now correctly identified as composed of freshwater snails, primarily Elimia tenera. The term “Turritella agate” persists colloquially, especially in the gem and rock trade. Fossil blocks like these serve both as decorative pieces and educational specimens that showcase fossilisation through silica permineralisation in lacustrine environments.
Specimen Details:
- Origin: Wyoming, USA
- Fossil Type: Agatised Gastropod Fossils in Silica Matrix
- Species: Elimia tenera
- Geological Age: Eocene (~50 Ma)
- Formation: Green River Formation
- Size Reference: Scale cube = 1cm (see listing photos for full dimensions)
- Note: You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photo
Authenticity & Quality: This specimen is 100% genuine, unaltered, and professionally sourced. It includes a Certificate of Authenticity and is naturally silicified with no dyes or synthetic enhancement.
Why Choose This Fossil? Perfect for:
- Fossil and mineral collectors
- Educational palaeontology and geology kits
- Natural décor and display
- Lapidary use or gem collections
Shipping & Packaging: Secure, eco-conscious packaging with tracked shipping. We take great care to ensure each specimen arrives safely and ready to display.
Own a piece of America’s fossil-rich past with this stunning Elimia tenera gastropod fossil block – a classic example of Turritella agate from Eocene Wyoming.
All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
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