1.35" Agatized Cerithium Gastropod Fossil (Morocco)

Location found: Dahkla, Western Sahara, Morocco

Age: Eocene

species: Cerithiujm sp.

The term “agatized” is generally used to describe a fossil that has been replaced with chalcedony, a micro crystaline form of quartz This happens through a process known as permineralization in which mineral rich groundwater seeps in and replaces the organic tissues of the plant or animal with silica, forming a crystal cast. This is a fairly common type of fossilization, and nearly all petrified wood is formed in this manner.