Tusk Shells (Dentalium Mollusk Shells)
$5.95
Sale price
$5.95
Regular price
Skip to product information
Tusk Shells (Dentalium Mollusk Shells)
$5.95
Sale price
$5.95
Regular price
These tusk shells belong to marine mollusks in the class Scaphopoda, known for their elongated, tubular shells that resemble miniature elephant tusks.
These shells are slightly curved and open at both ends, allowing the animal to maintain a continuous flow of seawater for respiration and waste removal. Composed primarily of calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite, Dentalium shells have a smooth, often glossy surface with fine longitudinal ridges that strengthen the structure against pressure at ocean depths up to 4.3 miles (7 km).
The organism lives buried vertically in sediment, using specialized tentacle-like structures called captacula to capture microscopic prey such as foraminifera.
Despite their simple appearance, Dentalium shells represent an efficient evolutionary solution for life within soft marine substrates. Fossil records show Scaphopods have existed for over 400 million years, indicating remarkable long-term stability in their ecological niche.
Some Native American tribes have used tuck shells as currency for over 6,000 years (pictured: Lucy Red Cloud, Souix, 1899)
Each vial contains 3-4 cleaned tusk shells.
This item was previously featured in our Matter Science Box
Deals on this item:
• New: Get a free 42-card Booster Pack when you buy 3 or more Previous Matter Items.
• Free Shipping on $50+.
• Get 20% off your first order when you sign up for our newsletter.
• Matter subscribers, don't forget to use your 15% storewide discount on every order.
Your Purchase Does More:
Science Education Programs:Every purchase helps fund our guest lectures, science fairs, and community science clubs — bringing real scientific literacy to curious minds of all ages.
Sustainable Small Business: We partner with agroforestry and carbon capture organizations to keep our entire emissions footprint net negative — not just neutral.
Independent Researchers:We source directly from active research labs, so your purchase puts money back into the hands of working scientists.
