Fossils
Ocean Treasures
The coastal waters of South Carolina are teeming with seashells. In fact,
more than 700 species live in these waters. Common local shells include whelks, angel
wings, arks, pen shells, augers, cockles, slipper shells, jingles, coquina, and olive
shells. Starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars also can be found on Folly Beach and
Morris Island.
Searching for fossils is another popular pastime. The most common fossils
found on area beaches are sharks teeth, which are usually black or dark brown. Fossilized
sharks teeth are millions of years old. Other fossils found in the area include fish
vertebrae and fossilized shells.
The best times to look for shells and fossils are on an outgoing tide,
during a new or full moon, and after a storm.
Sand Dollar or Keyhole Urchin (Mellita
quinquiesperforata)
up to about 6 inches
The keyhole urchin, sometimes called the "keyhole sand dollar,"
is a relative of the common sand dollar (Echinarachnius parma); the five keyhole-shaped
slots are distinguishing features of the keyhole urchin.
The skeleton of this flat sea urchin is often found on the Folly Beach and
Morris Island. When the tan keyhole urchin dies, the soft tissues inside the skeleton
decompose, the spines fall off, and the skeleton is bleached white.
Keyhole urchins live on sandy bottoms in shallow water below the tide line
where they borrow into the sand for protection. In the living urchin's mouth, located in
the center of the underside (only the mouth hole remains in the skeleton), is a structure
known as "Aristotle's lantern," a set of five teeth, shaped something like the
beak of a bird, that can be used for scraping algae off rocks. The rattle you hear when
you shake the skeleton may be caused by the dried teeth inside.
A live keyhole urchin's body is covered with skin, muscle tissue, and
short, fine spines that are used for burrowing. Rows of tube feet extend through holes
forming the five "petals" on the top side.
THE LEGEND OF THE SAND DOLLAR
The Sand Dollar or Holy Ghost Shell is one of the most unusual specimens
of marine life. The markings on the shell, to some, symbolize the Birth, Crucifixion and
Resurrection of Christ. On top of the shell, an outline of the Easter Lily is clearly
seen. At the center of the Lily is a five pointed Star representing the Guiding Star of
Bethlehem that led the Wise Men. The five narrow openings are representative of the four
nail holes and the spear wound made in the body of Christ during the Crucifixion.
Reversing the shell you will recognize the outline of the Poinsettia, the Christmas
flower, and also the Bell. When broken, inside the shell are five little birds called the
Doves of Peace. Some say they are the Angels that sang to the Shepherds the First
Christmas Morning.
South Carolina Official State Shell
 | Lettered Olive (Oliva sayana) The Lettered Olive, Oliva sayana, was designated the Shells of the family | ||||
| colored shell with 5 or 6 whorls and distinct suturing. The spire is fairly low; the aperture is long, smooth, and without teeth; and, the columella shows folds. Like many gastropods, these mollusks maintain a highly polished shell, by pulling their mantle flaps over the exposed surface. Many specimens have purple zigzag patterns and purple outer lips. Olives are approximately 66mm in length and 20mm wide. All members of the Olividae family are carnivorous sand-burrowers.
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