So, the story begins early Sunday morning, armed with an empty 5 gallon bucket and 3 Publix shopping bags in search of Agatized Coral. I began a 2 1/4 mile walk to the north end of the island. I made it 5 steps before I found 5 Turban Shells. I knew right then, this was going to be a long walk. I continued to discover more and more Turban Shells until I told myself, "stop!". So, I did for a while as I kept trekking down the beach with my bucket in hand. I finally made it to the northern tip where I hoped to discover Agatized Coral, but much to my surprise, while cooling off in the water and randomly grabbing shells, I felt something unique that I knew was an unusual find for me. Not long ago, someone had given me a handful of these particular shells and told me they were "mermaid tears" from a private collection but they didn't know where they were collected. I had no idea that you could find these in the United States. Now, I was holding one in my hand. I scanned the beach, and much to my delight, I found more. When I arrived home, my interest was peeked, so I researched a little on "mermaid tears" and found out these small shells are known as Shiva Shells and hold the door (Operculum) to the Turban Shell. The Shiva Shell has been known to symbolize the flow of life, constant change of the universe and creative visualism in the Hindu world. Some of the largest Shiva Shells are 5 inches in diameter. Wouldn't that be a find? There's always tomorrow and more beaches.
The tide receded on my walk back and I focused more on the rock formations on the beach. This is when I discovered a small piece of Agatized Coral and other fossilized rock formations. My bucket was heavy and my tracks were deep in the sand as I made my final steps off the beach.
7 comments:
OH BOY Brian! The things you found are so AWESOME! Very cool. What a great time you had on your adventure! I really enjoyed seeing everything...great pictures :)
Great finds! Let us know more. I love Boca Grande.
How interesting to start out finding the turbans, then hit the jackpot with the Shiva Shells! Great finds!
Oh, Karen told me you were going out to one of our favorite beaches! I was out there a couple of months ago collecting Turbans and Shivas to use in my seashell designs. I've never heard them called "mermaid tears" but it's perfect! My grandmother always called sea glass "mermaid tears" and I think that's perfect also.
Now, I only recently learned of the Agatized Coral from Karen, but we're planning a trip out there later this year to find some for ourselves. It never ceases to amaze me that just when I think I've found at least one of everything our beaches have to offer, something else comes along.
You do the same thing I do, pick up everything I want and then realize I have to carry it all the way back to the car.
Great info!
Cool Stuff Brian....you've just shown me more that I want to go find down there on the Gulf!! I have never heard of either the mermaids ears or the coral! How lucky you are to be able to go on such adventures....and how lucky we are that you are sharing them with us!! Keep 'em coming!!
What cool stuff!! Now I want to find some of all of THAT!
Amazing finds! The shiva shells and agatized coral are so cool. I've found crystalized coral here in SE Fla - looks like it might be calcite crystals. The rock was found at John U Lloyd state park beach, which has now been covered up due to a beach renourishment project(yuck).
Thanks so much for the pictures and tales of the sea.
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