Fossil Cone Shells and UV Light
- José H. Leal
- Dec 20, 2024
- 1 min read
Last September 13 I discussed how ultraviolet light (UV, aka “black light”) reveals structurally distinctive shell parts, using as an example the muscle scars and pallial line of a fossilized Caribbean Spiny Jewel Box (Arcinella arcinella). But UV light also exposes residual color patterns in fossil shells that would otherwise go unnoticed. Take, for example, this fossil cone shell (Conus sp.) from the old APAC fossil pits in Sarasota, Florida (possibly late Pliocene to lower Pleistocene in age).
A look under natural light (left) presents a cream-colored shell with faint spots. Imaging the same shell under UV light (right) discloses a vivid, contrasted pattern where the background color is dark, but the spots fluoresce a golden-orange color! You can replicate this simple experiment flashing a hand-held UV flashlight on your favorite fossil shell to see if it glows as this one does.
(A great article by Jonathan Hendricks further exploring the effect of UV light on cone shells can be found here).
The topic of Fossil Cone Shells and UV Light is truly fascinating, especially in how ultraviolet light reveals hidden patterns and chemical compositions in ancient shells. These glowing details under UV can offer valuable insights into evolutionary biology and paleontology. Interestingly, the precision and pattern recognition required in studying these fossils closely mirrors the work of an embroidery digitizer—where subtle design elements are captured and translated into stitch patterns. Both fields rely on technology and an eye for detail to bring unseen beauty to light. Whether in science or embroidery, accuracy and interpretation play key roles in revealing the full story.
What a fascinating insight into how UV light brings out the hidden beauty in fossils! It's incredible how something as simple as a flashlight can reveal vibrant patterns in shells that would otherwise remain invisible. I encourage everyone to try this experiment with their own fossil collections; it could be a funny shooter 2 of a surprise!
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