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Strange paleocene mollusc


matgerke

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What is this strange mollusc?  I found it in a creek in the Acquia Formation in Maryland, just outside of DC.  In case the photos don't make it clear, this appears to be cylindrical, with a flat base, opening up to a flower-like, open crown.  Any thoughts on what it is or how to prep it?

 

Thanks,

Matt

20180303_211510.jpg

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I am guessing that the item in question is encased in matrix?

But I will say I get the impression of some sort of oyster.

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image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

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Yes, it is pretty well encased in matrix.  It looks Oyster-ish, but I'm unfamiliar with the shape.  Has anyone seen something that looks like this?  Trying to figure out what to Google.

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Most likely you are going to have to remove the matrix to get a positive ID.

Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt
behind the trailer, my desert
Them red clay piles are heaven on earth
I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt

Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers

 

image.png.0c956e87cee523facebb6947cb34e842.png May 2016  MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png.a47e14d65deb3f8b242019b3a81d8160.png.b42a25e3438348310ba19ce6852f50c1.png May 2012 IPFOTM5.png.fb4f2a268e315c58c5980ed865b39e1f.png.1721b8912c45105152ac70b0ae8303c3.png.2b6263683ee32421d97e7fa481bd418a.pngAug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png.af5065d0585e85f4accd8b291bf0cc2e.png.72a83362710033c9bdc8510be7454b66.png.9171036128e7f95de57b6a0f03c491da.png Oct 2022

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I think a type of oyster with the impression left by another oyster growing on the first. 

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Maybe Ostrea alepidota Dall, 1898.  LINK

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Almost looks like the European Ostrea edulis. :)

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If you could retake your first photo with good focus, it might reveal if there was damage (predator crunch) to the hinge end that makes it appear flat or concave.

"Journey through a universe ablaze with changes" Phil Ochs

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5 hours ago, matgerke said:

Acquia

Aquia*

these oysters are rather common in some beds. Should be nice sharks teeth in the area, have you found any?

“...whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been and are being evolved.” ~ Charles Darwin

Happy hunting,

Mason

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On 3/5/2018 at 7:52 AM, Plax said:

Interesting that you can see the oysters attachment zone. the cavity at the base.

 

I'm not familiar with these.  Are you saying this concavity is the norm for this(oyster?) specimen?

"Journey through a universe ablaze with changes" Phil Ochs

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oyster.thumb.jpg.14031660af8f9d9f01604f1e7d46f9ad.jpg

 

more details here

" We are not separate and independent entities, but like links in a chain, and we could not by any means be what we are without those who went before us and showed us the way. "

Thomas Mann

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My dad found this Aquia formation oyster fragment that had been attached to a Turritella in life. I think that sorta thing is cool. Oh, and @matgerke as for prepping sandstone is easily removed with a pin vice or scribe, or even a dental pick or other pointy metal objects. The oysters can be delicate, so work slowly and cautiously. There are more to be found, so don’t feel too bad if you accident chip it. 

F59CEA05-8C2F-4CDF-A1BE-A9D1348EE946.jpeg

“...whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been and are being evolved.” ~ Charles Darwin

Happy hunting,

Mason

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