Tooth or shell?

[AmyS]

Alright folks what do we think? Opalised tooth or part of a shell? Found in Jervis Bay

 

[mbasko]

I'd say part of a shell AmyS.

 

[AmyS]

Opalised*

I'd say part of a shell AmyS.

I’m leaning towards shell also but would regret disregarding it without checking. Thanks for the fast reply

 

[mbasko]

I'm no expert, but as far as I know, Jervis Bay isn't known for opalised fossils or even opal so it would be unlikely.

 

[grubstake]

Drop it into some vinegar: if it starts to fizz and eventually dissolves, it was a shell (calcium compound), but if there's no visible reaction to the acid, it's an opal.

(Even a drop of vinegar should cause a visible reaction if it's a shell - you don't really have to risk destroying it)

 

[Nightjar]

Maybe, Abalone shell?

 

[Mackka]

Maybe, Abalone shell?

That is a very good observation NJ and it does have that pearlescent effect. Mackka

 

[Dave's Office]

We get a lot of big Abs on Kangaroo Island and it looks a bit too thick for an Ab shell

 

[Pat Hogen]

It is part of the spline of a largish shell.

 

[Capertee gold]

Velociraptor claw