antidiluvian Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Is this a fossil? 290grams, circa 85mm diameter, appears shell-like, but very thick compared to any modern bivalve that I have seen. Was found in foundations of 1910's house in Oxford OX4 90m above sea level, found among clay and gravel/aggregate used in (presumably original) build. I don't know whether item was local to the site. Would love to get any info on this, for personal interest and because 6 year old daughter wants to do a show-and-tell at school! Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TqB Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 I think that's a fossil oyster from the Oxford Clay, Gryphaea dilatata or bilobata. Not sure what made the borings, perhaps a sponge. Tarquin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antidiluvian Posted November 28, 2012 Author Share Posted November 28, 2012 Thanks Tarquin. It looks like an oyster. My fossil has comma;shaped inside contour. Might this shell originally have had a thinner shell thickness, but layers expanded over the years? The fossil feels like stone. What sort of possible age ranges might it have? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 The Oxford Clay is a marine deposit that dates to +/- 164 million years before present. Your oyster is a part of a very large, robust individual. "There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley >Paleontology is an evolving science. >May your wonders never cease! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TqB Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Yes, it will have been that thick originally but probably has weight added by subsequent calcification - the interior comma shape is a muscle scar. Tarquin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antidiluvian Posted November 29, 2012 Author Share Posted November 29, 2012 164m years old .... astounding. I could get into this geology lark! Very many thanks for all replies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobWill Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 I could get into this geology lark! Too late!!! I'm afraid there's no turning back now. Hope you didn't have other hobbies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmerlin Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 I think that's a fossil oyster from the Oxford Clay, Gryphaea dilatata or bilobata. Not sure what made the borings, perhaps a sponge. Could be the sponge Cliona Celata that was the culprit for the borings "A man who stares at a rock must have a lot on his mind... or nothing at all' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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