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How to Classify a Seashell

The hobby of collecting seashells is called conchology and is enjoyed by many people from the very young to the very old. It involves searching for natural seashells, either on beaches or in shops local to beaches, and building a collection of the different types of seashells. There are three main types of seashells, although these are broad categories, as seashells are formed naturally and therefore often have unique patterns and characteristics. Collectors can classify their seashells for better organization and more in-depth knowledge of each shell type.

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the shell for binds or hinges that connect two parts of the shell. Also check for damage to the shell, where another part of the shell may have fallen off. These shells typically look like clams. If your shell has a join, or should have a join, it is a bilateral shell.
- 2
  Feel the shell, being careful if you are not certain that the shell is empty. Check if the shell appears to be made of one piece of shell, curled around into a tight shape. Typically, these shells are long and feel very smooth in places. They are called gastropod shells.
- 3
  Check the size and shape of the shell. If the shell is smaller than 1.5 inches and is very smooth, like a small stone, it is likely to be a Sinum Maculosum, or Baby's Ear. You may also find versions of this that have patterns on the shell, which are not as common.
- 4
  Take a photograph of any shells you have not yet classified. You can either print out the photo or take a digital photo and upload the image onto your computer.
- 5
  Visit shell identification websites like SeaShells.org and compare your shell photographs to the ones online.

Sea Shell Collecting