Rastellum carinatum bivalve fossils

Rastellum carinatum bivalve fossils

Interesting specimens of the fossilised bivalve Rastellum carinatum. This odd little mollusc looks so unusual it is often given the nickname 'the alien clam'.

Rastellum carinatum can be found all around the world, but more locally along areas of the Jurassic Coast.

It is worth noting that Rastellum can fossilise either entirely, or slightly open, as well as in their 'closed' position. When they are open, they are typically filled with a soft mudstone which can be easily removed with water and a sharp steel pin - however, it is likely the two halves will separate if this is all or mostly removed.

Our current stock includes:

• Various sizes found in Tulear, Madagascar. They date to around 95 million years old, the Cretaceous. They are largely intact, although one or two out of the lot did have a small repair.
• Various sizes found in Marovoay, Madagascar. They date to around 95 million years old, the Cretaceous. They have been cleaned a bit too thoroughly and some have repairs - usually where the fossil has broken in half while being extracted.

The photographs on this listing show a representative item or items from the stock we hold. If you’d like to select a piece yourself, get in touch and we’ll do our best.