Carnelian Replaced Gastropod: How are they formed?
A carnelian replaced gastropod is an ancient snail fossil that's been naturally replaced over millions of years by carnelian, a reddish orange type of chalcedony stone. Originating from the Eocene Age in Western Sahara, Morocco, these rare spiral shells are preserved and infused with the fiery tones of carnelian.
How They Form
When a gastropod shell is buried, mineral rich and groundwater heavy with silica slowly dissolves the original shell. It then replaces each molecule with quartz slowly over time. Iron within the silica gives the fossil its orange carnelian coloration. The result is a fossil that's both a geological record and a super unique crystal specimen.
Metaphysical Meaning
This fossilized gastropod shell blends the energy of carnelian crystal with the wisdom of fossils.
Carnelian is most commonly associated with:
- Motivation, creativity
- Confidence, courage
- Root, Sacral Chakra energy
Fossils are linked to:
- Ancient Earth wisdom
- Stability, patience, endurance
- Cycles of growth and transformation
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