Big shell! Old Shell! Help! Found in Montana

[KrattigerS]

Hello all! So about 10 years ago I was walking around in literally the middle of nowhere Montana on my friends ranch when I noticed something white sticking out of the ground. I walked over and thought first it was a rock, but soon realized it was the tip top of a shell  sticking out of the dirt. Very confused on how this shell got to the middle of Montana and in a field!!! (I know realize how it did)

But anyways I have no idea what it is so thought you all could give me some information on it. I've carried it around for a long I thought maybe a collector might be interested. It is about 12inches by 6 inches.

Pictures are attached!

Thanks,
Seth

[paul monfils]

Hi Seth,

Yes, this is a "big shell", compared to most other species of shells.  But actually for this species, this specimen is a small one!  This is in fact the largest species of mollusk shell in the world.  The scientific name is "Tridacna gigas", and the common English name is "Giant Clam".  It has been known to reach 4 feet in length, and a weight of more than 500 pounds.  If you scroll down on these two pages, you can see a large one with a person next to it, to provide scale.

http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/gallery-...spage1.htm

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/11/inverts
.

[KrattigerS]

Hi Seth,

Yes, this is a "big shell", compared to most other species of shells.  But actually for this species, this specimen is a small one!  This is in fact the largest species of mollusk shell in the world.  The scientific name is "Tridacna gigas", and the common English name is "Giant Clam".  It has been known to reach 4 feet in length, and a weight of more than 500 pounds.  If you scroll down on these two pages, you can see a large one with a person next to it, to provide scale.

http://www.lithiccastinglab.com/gallery-...spage1.htm

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/11/inverts
.

Awesome! Thanks for your help! They definitely do get big!
I might take it to the university and maybe get a piece carbon dated or something of that nature to see just how old it is.