Thread Rating:
  • 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Help me identify this shell from Sanibel Island
12-09-2008, 02:21 PM,
#4
Help me identify this shell from Sanibel Island
Yes, after storms is possibly the best way to collect beached shells, a lot of deeper water species get brought up which you would not normally see (your junonia for instance) I often go to the beach here in England after a good storm to see what has ben cast up and have had some good results.
There is a system for grading shells; G=Gem, F=Fine, G=Good, C=Commercial ( or some would say Crap!), most shell books or websites will have this, but it is open to interpretation. A 'Gem' quality cowry for example should be absolutely flawless but there are species of shells that are never found in perfect condition, so you have a set of shells that are never 'Gem'. Some people quote 'Gem for species' which means it is about as good as it gets. Some Murex shells have a few tiny breaks on the fronds which are almost invisible, you have to look carefully or even use a lens to see them. I personally would say this is Gem but purists would not. Some also put a plus or minus after the grade to mean that it is 'not quite' or 'slightly better than' but this can lead to nit-picking.
As to small,perfect specimens or big flawed ones, I think it is all a matter of personal choice. At the end of the day it is your collection and whatever pleases you is the best.
Dave
Reply


Messages In This Thread
Help me identify this shell from Sanibel Island - by dave r - 12-09-2008, 02:21 PM

Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)