stellare TAs11

Family:     Turbinidae
Genus:     Astralium
Species:  stellare
Origin:      Broome W. Aust.
Author:    Gmelin 1791
Size:         41.5mm
Grade:      F3

Common name" Blue-Mouthed/Northern Star Shell" Rarely collected by divers as they are very difficult to clean both internally and externally. Outer lip intact operculum present. This is one of only a few in the genus that cant be cleaned by conventional methods like boiling or microwaving as it discolors the operculum. The turquoise columellar and operculum are the main feature & attraction of the species.