Abalone Peacock (Mexico)
This shell does not have a light underneath even tho it appears to be
glowing from within. It is a very sophisticated type of dichroic film
coating ,comprised of precious metals that have been exposed to various
levels of electricity, that allows certain wave lengths of light to
be relected while opposite wave lengths or light are transmitted. This
explains the color changes as the piece is moved in different angles.
Displaying these on a dark, like a black, background enhances the reflective
characteristics fo this
Green Turbo
The Turbos (Turbinidae) are herbivores and move at night on their large foot to go grazing on seaweed. They have a calcareous operculum, a sort of little trapdoor, which allows them to remain in their shells, safe from outside enemies. The operculum of Turbo petholatus has been called "cat's eye" on account of its pretty coloration.
Green
Turban Shell
Turbo marmoratus. This large and thick shell is marbled green with brown
and white colors. Common to the Indian ocean. Measures approx 1.5
Abalone are found in boulder and rock habitat, and are usually associated with kelp forests. Several species may be found occupying the same coastal regions, but are usually separated by depth. Red abalone occur along the entire California coastline (in appropriate habitat), while pink, green, and white abalones are associated with the warm, temperate waters south of Pt. Conception, Santa Barbara County. Black abalone occur from just north of San Francisco to Baja California, Mexico
Cowrie Shell (Philiphines)
There are over 250 known species living in warm sea areas. Cowries live under rocks and feed on algae at night. The exterior of the shell is smooth and highly polished. This is because the animal has a covering called a mantle, which wraps around the entire shell. Each animal’s mantle is brilliantly colored and is often more interesting than the shell itselfDuring the Roman period, cowries were known as Porculi, meaning little pigs. The name was later lengthened to Porceletta. When fine pottery was introduced to European society from the Far East, the shape of these new items reminded people of the Porceletta shells.
Red Coral (Mediterranean Sea)
The red coral lives forming tree-like colonies with irregular shape branches. It has a calcium skeleton which may reach a lenght of 2 feet, though normally is well under this size. Those branches are formed by white polips, each one with 8 tiny tentacles. The branches are covered with a bright red tissue, though sometimes it can be white or even yellow. The inner skeleton can be found in all shades of red, including white and black.
Red corals can be found in the western Mediterranean Sea and in the Adriatic, inside dark holes and crevices. It can be found also at great depths. In the past it abounded in caves over 30 feet but it is rare now. It can be easily found from 100 feet down to 300 feet.
