stellare TAs08

Family:     Turbinidae
Genus:     Astralium
Species:  stellare
Origin:      Broome W. Aust.
Author:    Gmelin 1791
Size:         50.5mm
Grade:      F2

Common name" Blue-Mouthed/Northern Star Shell" Rarely collected by divers as they are very difficult to clean both internally and externally.  This is the largest piece I have ever collected and is a new world record size by far. The current world record is 33mm. The shell was encased in calcium deposits which has saved it from erosion. Outer lip intact operculum present. One to put your name into the world record book.