Exceptional Snail {Busycon} Calcite Filled Shell Fossil. Busycon carica fossil knobbed whelk snail shell (Pleistocene; Lee Creek Mine, Aurora, North Carolina, USA) 6 Busycon carica (Gmelin, 1791) - fossil knobbed whelk shell (apical view) from the Pleistocene of North Carolina, USA. (~9.7 cm across at its widest) Of all the molluscs, the gastropods (snails) have made the most ecological adaptations. They can be found in almost all fundamental environments: marine, freshwater, terrestrial. Most gastropods live in the ocean, and have a single, asymmetrically coiled, external shell of calcium carbonate (CaCO3 - usually aragonite). The hard calcareous shell is the most easily fossilized part of the gastropod. The soft parts of a snail (the “slug” portion) include a well developed head having eyes, tentacles, and a mouth, and a well developed, strong, muscular foot used principally for locomotion. The shell is carried upright on the snail’s back, or is partially dragged behind. When threatened by a predator, many snails can retract their soft parts into the shell’s interior for protection.Many fossil snails in the Paleozoic rock record are often not well preserved, or are preserved as internal molds. The original aragonite of many gastropod shells is not stable on geologic time scales, and often recrystallizes or dissolves completely away. Fossil snail shells in Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks are usually better preserved. Classification: Animalia, Mollusca, Gastropoda, Neogastropoda, Muricoidea, Melongenidae Age: Pleistocene Locality: Lee Creek Mine, Aurora, eastern North Carolina, USA. In great condition preserved by calcite thru-out the whole fossil. Found in Florida. This lovely specimen is 5 Millions years old. The Back or Bottom of Fossil is Crystallized. There is a Certification on The Crystal Clear Stand from Science World. From Florida. Measurements 3 1/2” x 2 1/2”. This is rare, one of a kind and would make a great item to add to your collection. Very Well Kept in My Gallery Collection. This specimen is so Perfect with Perfection and Exceptionally Unique for its age. Price: $195.00   Shipping and Handling $25.00  Worth so much More. If interested please email and Visit: Paul's Gems and Collectibles For Unique Antiques and Treasures from Mother Earth. Pictures show all Angles of this You won't find anything like this online. Exceptional and Very Unique Specimen. Just a Breath Taking Fossil Very Unique.