Gastropod Cerithium gigantum

Age: Eocene (50m years old)

Fossil site: Inferior oolite limestone, Normandy, France

Description: It is a genus of snails that is thought to have preferred brackish water. It was a gastropod of the phylum mollusc and had a long, much whorled and turreted shell. It had a horny operculum (flap) to close the opening of its shell. This is a beautifully preserved piece and almost appears to have been sculpted. It is very hard to find such specimens any more.

This is a wonderful example of this very large gastropod, and a great display piece

It can be mounted on a display base if requested.

Fossil: 42cm x 20cm
Base: 35cm diameter
Weight: 21.8kg