purple tops - Printable Version +- Forums SEASHELL-COLLECTOR (http://forum.seashell-collector.com) +-- Forum: Seashell Collector's Forum (http://forum.seashell-collector.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=3) +--- Forum: Shell General Discussion (http://forum.seashell-collector.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=4) +--- Thread: purple tops (/showthread.php?tid=1148)

purple tops - djfoulds - 02-13-2009 What causes some shell specimens to have a purple dorsum? purple tops - paul monfils - 02-19-2009 Removal of the outer layer of shell, the layer in which the pigments of the pattern reside.  The purple color is the underlying layer of shell.  This may occasionally happen in nature through erosion, especially in beach specimens, but it is also done by shellcraft companies who grind or etch away the dorsal part of the shell to reveal the purple layer and then polish them.  I can't imagine why.  The natural shells are so much more attractive than the "purple top" version, but I guess there is some demand for them in shellcraft. purple tops - djfoulds - 02-20-2009 Thank you - that's now cleared that one up!