The Turritella Fossil was named incorrectly decades ago when this beautiful spiral-shaped gastropod (snail) fossils imbedded within the stone were though to be members of the marine Turritella genus. These fossils are actually the freshwater snail, Elimia tenera, a member of the Pleuroceridae family. During the Eocene epoch, roughly 50 million years ago, the Rocky Mountains were almost finished growing and began forming into what is now parts of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. This area was composed of rugged mountains separated by large inter-mountain basins. The rains that fell on these slopes would accumulate into streams that carried sand, silt, mud, and dissolved materials down into the lakes that occupied the intermountain basins. In time, those sediments filled the lakes and many types of fossils were preserved within them. Abundant plants and algae grew on the margins of these lakes, which provided a great habitat and food source for the Elimia tenera (a freshwater snail). When they died, their shells sank to the bottom of the lake. The snails were so abundant that whole layers of sediment were composed almost entirely of their shells. When these layers were buried, groundwater passed through the sediments. Small amounts of dissolved Micro-crystalline Silica in the groundwater would begin to precipitate within and around the empty cavities of the snail. Over time, the fossils were silicified, forming the Fossiliferous Agate (a.k.a Chalcedony) and currently and most commonly known as the Turritella Agate. A common place to find them is the Green River Formation, which is famous around the world for its fossils. Some call this area a "lagerstätte" (a rock unit that is exceptionally rich in fossils). Impressive fish, plant, insect, and animal fossils have been found there.
Turritella Multi Fossil is a spiritual crystal, deeply connected to the earth and home to one's personal roots and ancestry. It is a survival stone, one of strength and protection. The ancient life held within it lends to the power of wisdom and healing. Turritella Agate is highly recognized for its metaphysical properties. It's believed to overcome negativity and bitterness, and to protect against danger. It can help one adjust to transitions and bring one "down to earth." It can help alleviate fear and restore self-confidence. Turritella can also help reducing superiority complex, while reducing arrogance within an individual.
Turitella Agate can be used to eliminate fatigue, and is helpful in the absorption of nutrients like vitamin A, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. Along with a healthy diet, it can help reduce the swelling of hands and feet as well as the abdomen. Turitella Agate can help with aging and problems with digestion, gastro-enteritis, pain related to gallstones, varicose veins and sexual dysfunction. It can help soothe skin rashes, lesions, and itching related to insect bites.
Turitella Agate stimulates the Root Chakra which is located at the base of the spine, and helps control the energy for kinesthetic feeling and movement. When out of balance, the symptoms can manifest as lethargy, low levels of activity, low enthusiasm, a need for constant stimulation, erratic behavior, disconnection from reality, and feeling of being distant. When in balance, one can regain strength and stamina, a sense of security and of one’s own power. It can lead to independence and spontaneous leadership.
Inspect these fossils carefully and be sure that it is fully silicified and firmly cemented into the rock. Some of the vendors who sell it do not know the qualities that are needed. Incomplete silicified material is frustrating to cut, yields a low-quality product, and doesn't make a good tumbled stones. Clean fossil agates with warm soapy water and a brush. Softly remove dust, debris, makeup and other contaminates. Harsh cleaners and ultrasonic machines are not recommended for cleaning agate. Thoroughly dry agate in jewelry to prevent tarnishing. Be careful storing it with other softer materials because it can scratches them.