Fossil Scallop
Chesapecten species
Markings and exact colorations may vary.
A large, heavy fossil scallop with strong ribs, weathered from Pliocene shell beds.
- Typical size
- 3–6 in
- How often it turns up
- Uncommon
- Collecting
- Check local rules
- Handling
- Safe to handle
Invertebrate and plant fossils need no Florida fossil permit, but state parks and national seashores don't allow collecting, and private land needs the owner's permission.
How to tell it apart
- Big scallop shape with coarse ribs
- Chalky, often partly recrystallised
- Grey or cream, not glossy
Where to find these in Florida
Beaches rated very good or excellent for fossils. Each page shows today’s score, the best window and access details.
- Caspersen Beach · Venice
- Englewood Beach (Chadwick Park) · Englewood
- Stump Pass Beach State Park · Englewood
- Turner Beach · Captiva
- Turtle Beach · Siesta Key
Found one?
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More fossils in the field guide
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