The official GemStone IV encyclopedia.
Shells are a type of gemstone found only in Solhaven and River's Rest. Some of them are heavier than an ordinary gemstone, and only about half of them can be put in jars.
For simplicity, the following is a complete list of items that cannot be put in a jar: black helmet shell, dark brown triton shell, emperor's crown shell, empress's crown shell, giant paper nautilus shell, golden triton shell, king helmet shell, iridescent tempest shell, lynx cowrie shell, polished green abalone shell, polished red abalone shell, polished silver abalone shell, queen helmet shell, red helmet shell, split-back pink conch shell, yellow helmet shell, piece of blue ridge coral, piece of cat's-paw coral.
List of Shells
- Note: The rarities listed are estimates and depend on the status of the treasure system in the area hunted. Average values listed are approximations and are generally taken from the sell values of a character selling gems with no trading bonus. See the Trading article for more information on variations of sell values.
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
175
|
Jars? |
yes
|
an amethyst clam shell
Description: Its base round and an inch in diameter, an amethyst clam shell has expanded in concentric, 240-degree arcs until it has reached a size of nearly three inches across. The individual purple arcs fluctuate in shade, from a dark royal purple to approaching white, and small, black speckles add variation to the color of the shell.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
2500
|
Jars? |
yes
|
an angulate wentletrap shell
Description: Resembling a winding staircase, an angulate wentletrap shell spirals upward in ever-tightening whorls until it reaches a tight, spiked turret. The spirals are not quite round, though, turning sharply at some points and straightening out at others. The lip of the shell's large opening is smooth and rounded, and the shell's interior is a pale, satin white.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a beige clam shell
Description: Its base round and an inch in diameter, a beige clam shell has expanded in concentric, 240-degree arcs until it has reached a size of nearly three inches across. The individual beige arcs fluctuate in shade, nearly reaching white at times, and small, dark umber speckles add variation to the color of the shell.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
125
|
Jars? |
no
|
a black helmet shell
Description: Shaped similarly to the banded half-globe helmets worn by the dwarven troops, a black helmet shell presents a roughened, grey exterior. A spiral extends off one side of the helmet shape, the spiral making several complete turns before tightening to a point. On the inside, the shell's surface is a smooth coal black, polished to a deep sheen.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
75
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a black-spined conch shell
Description: With its large shell, a black-spined conch shell somewhat resembles a piece of tanned leather rolled up, but more loosely on one side than on the other. The larger end sports nasty-looking spikes, including a central spike. Each spike tip is coal black, giving way to tan near the central shell and providing the reason for the shell's name. The wide lip gives a good view of the shell's inside, a bright pink swirled with white.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
550
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a blue-banded coquina shell
Description: Evoking the image of an eroded volcano with colored lava flows down its sides, a blue-banded coquina shell is a flattened cone. Bands of dark violet begin at the shell's point and widen out as they descend the roughened surface to the shell's edge. Interestingly, the light tan stripes separating the bands do not change in width at all between the point and edge. Purple areas and white areas swirl together on the shell's inside surface.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
75
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a bright noble pectin shell
Description: Hard and fan-shaped, a bright noble pectin shell bulges slightly, as if something was once contained in a pocket on the shell's smooth underside. The raised back displays brilliant yellow rays interspersed with lighter yellow spines. The base, a darker shade of yellow than the rays, would be nearly rectangular were it not for a protrusion, or tail, extending off one side.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
30
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a blue periwinkle shell
Description: Cone-shaped and tightly whorled, a blue periwinkle shell's thick spiral is dotted with myriad small, sharp spikes. The spikes barely extend from the shell's surface, but serve to give the shell a prickly feel when held. Its coloration is a pale, purplish blue at the opening end, slowly giving way to white at the tip end.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
60
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a candystick tellin shell
Description: No more than an inch across, a candystick tellin shell displays a raised section that gradually expands on three sides to form the shape of the moon waxing just past the half stage. Bright crimson colors the raised back, giving way to alternating bands of white and pink. The shell's interior is a soft, shiny carmine
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
75
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a checkered chiton shell
Description: Eight overlapping, elongated plates form the raised oval of a checkered chiton shell. Underneath, the plates form a smooth, faintly yellow surface. On top, the plates are a steel grey, speckled with black and dark umber spots.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
150
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a crown conch shell
Description: With its large shell, a crown conch shell somewhat resembles a piece of tanned leather rolled up, but more loosely on one side than on the other. The larger end sports nasty-looking spikes, including a central spike. The end spikes are arranged symmetrically around the central spike, providing the reason for its name. The wide lip gives a good view of the shell's inside, a bright pink swirled with white.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
800
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a crown-of-Charl shell
Description: An oval, shallow shell, a crown-of-Charl shell has a heavily pitted exterior. The exterior's rough, dull, greyish green surface carries a number of small indentations. Inside these indentations are areas of brilliant metallic sea green coloration. The shell's inside surface is a polished, ivory white, with a faint black mark in the shape of a trident.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
2000
|
Jars? |
no
|
a dark brown triton shell
Description: From a circular opening five inches across, a dark brown triton shell makes a 90-degree turn before spiraling to a nasty point. The shell's entire exterior is speckled with spots of white, umber, and deep orange in a recognizable pattern. The shell's lip and smooth interior display alternating bands of light orange and dark brown.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
700
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a dovesnail shell
Description: Similar in size and construction to the shell of a typical land snail, a dovesnail shell is the home to a small sea-going mollusk. The shell's spiral begins with a wide, circular mouth then whirls quickly to a tight central point. All exterior parts are a creamy, dull white, while the interior is a polished sandy brown.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
20
|
Jars? |
yes
|
an egg cowrie shell
Description: Small, smooth, and brilliantly white, an egg cowrie shell bulges in the middle in an egg shape before tapering at both ends. Its polished surface readily reflects the available light. The curved slot running lengthwise on one side of the shell resembles either a frown or a smile, depending upon which way the shell is turned. Small, rough protrusions line the slot, giving it an even more mouth-like appearance.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
2000
|
Jars? |
no
|
an emperor's crown shell
Description: Its base a flat half moon several inches in diameter, an emperor's crown shell displays connected rays that radiate out over a 120-degree arc to form a shell nearly eight inches across. Individual black rays alternate with deep purple rays to give the shell's exterior a fan-like appearance, and several large spikes protrude upward along the shell's edge. Inside, the rays are indiscernible. Instead, the entire surface sparkles with silver flecks on a smooth, highly polished, ultramarine blue surface.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
|
Jars? |
no
|
an empress's crown shell
Description: Its base a flat half moon several inches in diameter, an empress's crown shell displays connected rays that radiate out over a 120-degree arc to form a shell nearly eight inches across. Individual sea green rays alternate with deep ultramarine rays to give the shell's exterior a fan-like appearance, and several small spikes protrude upward along the shell's edge. Inside, the rays are indiscernible. Instead, the entire surface sparkles with golden flecks on a smooth, highly polished, emerald green surface.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
500
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a fluted limpet shell
Description: A small, oval, caplike shell, a fluted limpet shell displays concentric exterior rings of white, tan, and aquamarine stepping up to a deep aquamarine central spot. The shell's edges are slightly fluted, and the inside presents a polished, snow white surface.
|
Rarity: |
rare
|
Average value: |
7500
|
Jars? |
no
|
a giant paper nautilus shell
Description: eginning with a large circular opening, a giant paper nautilus shell spirals into a tight ball, its whorl keeping to a smooth plane and not extending outward on either side. Each segment of the large shell is thin and colored a light grey on one edge, giving way to a slightly darker grey on the other. The impression is one of a paper horn, unwinding slowly from a compressed state.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
1000
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a golden cowrie shell
Description: Small and smooth, a golden cowrie shell bulges in the middle before tapering at both ends. The shell's humpbacked side is a dark golden color dotted with small white spots. The curved slot running lengthwise on the white underside resembles either a frown or a smile, depending upon which way the shell is turned. Small, rough protrusions line the slot, giving it an even more mouth-like appearance.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
4000
|
Jars? |
no
|
a golden triton shell
Description: From a circular opening five inches across, a golden triton shell makes a 90-degree turn before spiraling to a nasty point. The a golden triton shell's entire exterior is speckled with spots of dark orange, deep gold, and white in a recognizable pattern. The shell's smooth interior displays alternating bands of light orange and white, with particularly prominent stripes of black and white on the lip.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
20
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a polished hornsnail shell
Description: Similar in size and construction to the shell of a typical land snail, a polished hornsnail shell is the home to a small sea-going mollusk. The shell's spiral begins with a wide, circular mouth then whirls quickly to a tight central point. All exterior parts are a flat steel grey, while the interior is a polished light pink. Two stubby projections curve outward from the upper edge of the shell's opening, looking very much like short horns.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
400
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a piece of iridescent mother-of-pearl
Description: A jagged piece of what once was a full shell, a piece of iridescent mother-of-pearl sports several sharp edges and points. One side of the shell piece is rough, with patches of sudued grey and off-white coloration. The other side sparkles and reflects the available light in fluid, oily colors. Iridescent hues of emerald green, sapphire blue, and royal purple flash and fade when the piece is turned in different directions.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
850
|
Jars? |
no
|
a king helmet shell
Description: Shaped similarly to the banded half-globe helmets worn by the dwarven troops, a king helmet shell presents a roughened, sky blue exterior. Four thick, nasty spikes, ultramarine blue at the tips, protrude from the rounded helmet area. A spiral extends off one side of the helmet shape, the spiral making several complete turns before tightening to a point. On the inside, the shell's surface is a deep ultramarine polished to a bright sheen.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
2500
|
Jars? |
no
|
an iridescent tempest shell
Description: Lacking any coherent symmetry, an iridescent tempest shell twists and turns this direction and that, as if its creator was unable to decide just how the shell should look. Its coloration is as chaotic as its shape, with deep purple sections changing into fiery crimson and then into golden yellow. The edge of the shell's opening is a coal black hoop, while the interior is a polished ice white.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
10
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a large chipped clam shell
Description: Its base round and an inch in diameter, a large chipped clam shell has expanded in concentric, 240-degree arcs until it has reached a size of nearly three inches across. The individual grey arcs fluctuate in shade, and small, dark speckles add variation to the interesting, though muted, color of the shell. A large piece has been chipped off the edge of the shell, leaving a jagged indentation.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
1400
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a large moonsnail shell
Description: Small and delicate, a large moonsnail shell displays a relatively large opening. From that starting point the shell spirals quickly to a blunt point. The shell's interior is a medium pastel blue, with just a hint of reflection to its surface. The outside evokes the sky on a pleasant day. White wisps intermingle with sky blue on the shell's reflective surface.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
800
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a lavender nassa shell
Description: A wide opening, a stubby spiral, and faint lavender swirls are the identifying characteristics of a lavender nassa shell. The outside of this diminutive shell displays white, crosshatched lines over a dark grey surface. Very muted, but still noticeable, are the cloudy lavender swirls spiral from opening to tip. The lavender markings appear more pronounced near the shell's opening.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
200
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a leopard cowrie shell
Description: Small and smooth, a leopard cowrie shell bulges in the middle before tapering at both ends. The shell's humpbacked side is a light yellow liberally dotted with dark brown spots. The curved slot running lengthwise on the yellow underside resembles either a frown or a smile, depending upon which way the shell is turned. Small, rough protrusions line the slot, giving it an even more mouth-like appearance.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
50
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a lynx cowrie shell
Description: Small and smooth, a lynx cowrie shell bulges in the middle before tapering at both ends. The shell's humpbacked side is a light tan liberally dotted with dark brown spots. The curved slot running lengthwise on the white underside resembles either a frown or a smile, depending upon which way the shell is turned. Small, rough protrusions line the slot, giving it an even more mouth-like appearance.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
50
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a marlin spike shell
Description: A tight tower of a shell, a marlin spike shell spirals six inches to a sharp point. The spirals do not bulge, but rather create a smooth, uninterrupted surface. White lines run both vertically and horizontally, crosshatching the black band that spirals up the light tan exterior.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
5
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a multi-colored snail shell
Description: A pasty white, cone-shaped shell spirals to a point in a multi-colored snail shell. Four bands of color--a thin dark blue band, a thick light blue band, a thick yellow band, and a thin red band--follow the spiral around from the shell's opening to the pointed tip. The bands become thinner and converge together as the shell's spiral tightens.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
85
|
Jars? |
yes
|
an opaque spiral shell
Description: Similar in shape to a straightened-out velnalin horn, an opaque spiral shell extends several inches as it twists tightly to a point. At its larger end, faint bands of greyish and bluish white follow the spiral, gradually giving way to pure white at the pointed end.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
1400
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a pearl nautilus shell
Description: Beginning with a large circular opening, a pearl nautilus shell spirals into a tight ball, its whorl keeping to a smooth plane and not extending outward on either side. A creamy white coloration adorns the entire shell, its translucent quality lending a softly glowing appearance to the shell.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
210
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a pink-banded coquina shell
Description: Evoking the image of an eroded volcano with colored lava flows down its sides, a pink-banded coquina shell is a flattened cone. Bands of dusky pink begin at the shell's point and widen out as they descend the roughened surface to the shell's edge. Interestingly, the light tan stripes separating the bands do not change in width at all between the point and edge. Purple areas and white areas swirl together on the shell's inside surface.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
10
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a pink clam shell
Description: Its base round and an inch in diameter, a pink clam shell has expanded in concentric, 240-degree arcs until it has reached a size of nearly three inches across. The individual pink arcs fluctuate in shade, from brilliant, deep magenta to near white, and small, dark red speckles add variation to the color of the shell.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
700
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a polished batwing chiton shell
Description: Eight overlapping, elongated plates form the raised oval of a polished batwing chiton shell. Underneath, the plates combine in a smooth, iridescent whiteness, with the plate's edges gently rounded. On top the plates are a coal black, and small portions of the shell extend upward and out, their sharp, fluted rear edges resembling a bat's wing.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
500
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a polished black tegula shell
Description: Black on both sides and almost perfectly round, a polished black tegula shell displays a dull exterior and a brightly polished interior. The shell is a circle with a small, rectangular flange extending off one side that possibly served to hinge the shell to another of its type. The shell's edge is slightly fluted.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
650
|
Jars? |
no
|
a polished green abalone shell
Description: Shaped much like a large oval bowl, a polished green abalone shell might be useful for holding small amounts of liquid if it were not for the six holes that follow an arc along one side of the shell. The shell's exterior is a rough, mottled brown and grey, and holds little beauty. The interior, conversely, is a swirling, iridescent, metallic green that sparkles in the light. The surface is perfectly smooth, as if whatever once occupied the shell took great care in maintaining a polished home.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
650
|
Jars? |
no
|
a polished red abalone shell
Description: Shaped much like a large oval bowl, a polished red abalone shell might be useful for holding small amounts of liquid if it were not for the six holes that follow an arc along one side of the shell. The shell's exterior is a rough, mottled brown and grey, and holds little beauty. The interior, conversely, is a swirling, iridescent, metallic red that sparkles in the light. The surface is perfectly smooth, as if whatever once occupied the shell took great care in maintaining a polished home.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
800
|
Jars? |
no
|
a polished silver abalone shell
Description: Shaped much like a large oval bowl, a polished silver abalone shell might be useful for holding small amounts of liquid if it were not for the six holes that follow an arc along one side of the shell. The shell's exterior is a rough, mottled brown and grey, and holds little beauty. The interior, conversely, is a swirling, iridescent, metallic silver that sparkles in the light. The surface is perfectly smooth, as if whatever once occupied the shell took great care in maintaining a polished home.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
200
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a purple-cap cowrie shell
Description: Small and smooth, a purple-cap cowrie shell bulges in the middle before tapering at both ends. The shell's humpbacked side is a dark blackish purple. The curved slot running lengthwise on the deep orange underside resembles either a frown or a smile, depending upon which way the shell is turned. Small, rough protrusions line the slot, giving it an even more mouth-like appearance. Unique to this cowrie shell, and the source of its name, is the large, oval, bright purple spot on the hump or "cap" side. The spot is entirely surrounded by a thin orange line.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
2500
|
Jars? |
no
|
a queen helmet shell
Description: Shaped similarly to the banded half-globe helmets worn by the dwarven troops, a queen helmet shell presents a roughened, dusty green exterior. Several short, thick spikes, their color graduating from sea green at the base to deep forest green at the tips, protrude from the rounded helmet area. A spiral extends off one side of the helmet shape, the spiral making several complete turns before tightening to a point. On the inside, the shell's surface is an iridescent emerald green polished to a deep sheen.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
50
|
Jars? |
no
|
a red helmet shell
Description: Shaped similarly to the banded half-globe helmets worn by the dwarven troops, a red helmet shell presents a roughened, dusky red exterior. A spiral extends off one side of the helmet shape, the spiral making several complete turns before tightening to a point. On the inside, the shell's surface is a dark shade of blood red, polished to a deep sheen.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
1600
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a ruby-lined nassa shell
Description: A wide mouth, a stubby spiral, and a deep ruby interior are the identifying characteristics of a ruby-lined nassa shell. The outside of this diminutive shell displays white, crosshatched lines over a dark grey surface. In contrast to the muted outside, the shell's interior is a brilliant, polished crimson
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
20
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a sea urchin shell
Description: Hard and brittle, a sea urchin shell evokes the image of a petrified miniature pumpkin. The interior is empty, as if whatever was in there has somehow escaped through the small hole in the shell's top, causing the shell to be extremely light. Deep pink veins run symmetrically down the shell's side, and the light pink surface in between is heavily mottled with small bumps.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
32
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a silvery clam shell
Description: Its base round and an inch in diameter, a silvery clam shell has expanded in concentric, 240-degree arcs until it has reached a size of nearly three inches across. The individual white arcs fluctuate in shade from a bright snow white to a soft grey, and small silvery speckles reflect the available light to add variation to the shell's pattern.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
600
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a snake-head cowrie shell
Description: Small and smooth, a snake-head cowrie shell bulges in the middle before tapering at both ends. Black coloration lines the shell's humpbacked side, giving way to an umber and white spotted area directly on the top. A single large white spot on one end gives the shell its snake-like appearance. The curved slot running lengthwise on the white underside resembles either a toothy frown or a smile, depending upon which way the shell is turned.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
650
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a snow cowrie shell
Description: Small and smooth, a snow cowrie shell bulges in the middle before tapering at both ends. The shell's humpbacked side is a snow white color dotted with small light grey spots. The curved slot running lengthwise on the light grey underside resembles either a frown or a smile, depending upon which way the shell is turned. Small, rough protrusions line the slot, giving it an even more mouth-like appearance.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
100
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a Solhaven Bay scallop shell
Description: Thin, white spokes radiate out from a rectangular base in the scallop shell's fluted fan. Between the raised spokes, alternating bands of white and mottled sienna arc across the shell, as if whatever created it kept changing its favorite color from sienna to white and back again as it increased the shell's size.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
750
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a sparkling silvery conch shell
Description: With its large shell, a sparkling silvery conch shell somewhat resembles a piece of tanned leather rolled up, but more loosely on one side than on the other. The larger end sports nasty-looking spikes, including a central spike. The wide lip gives a good view of the shell's inside, a bright pink swirled with white. Small silver flecks evident within the shell's shiny interior glint and flicker in the light.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
50
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a speckled conch shell
Description: With its large shell, a speckled conch shell somewhat resembles a piece of tanned leather rolled up, but more loosely on one side than on the other. The larger end sports nasty-looking spikes, including a central spike. Darker brown spots speckle the outside of the shell, providing the reason for its name. The wide lip gives a good view of the shell's inside, a bright pink swirled with white.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
4000
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a spiny siren's-comb shell
Description: A particularly strange shell, a spiny siren's-comb shell is an elongated central bulb with a long appendage projecting from the top. Attached to the upper portion of the bulb and the entire arm are parallel spines, one set extending to the left and the other set extending to the right. More of these spines, though not parallel, extend out the bottom of the central bulb. Light and dark pink coloration covers all portions of the shell, except for a few deep orange sections on the central bulb.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
30
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a spiral turret shell
Description: Similar in shape to a straightened-out velnalin horn, a spiral turret shell extends several inches as it twists tightly to a point. At its larger end, bands of light purple, sienna, gold, and white follow the spiral, gradually giving way to pure white at the pointed end.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
180
|
Jars? |
no
|
a split-back pink conch shell
Description: With its large shell, a split-back pink conch shell somewhat resembles a piece of tanned leather rolled up, but more loosely on one side than on the other. The larger end sports nasty-looking spikes, including a central spike. Pink coloration mixes with the tan, brighter on one side than the other and providing the reason for the shell's name. The wide lip gives a good view of the shell's inside, a bright carmine swirled with white.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
350
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a striated abalone shell
Description: Shaped much like a tiny oval bowl, a striated abalone shell might be useful for holding small amounts of liquid if it were not for the six holes that follow an arc along one side of the shell. The shell's outside and inside are both dusky grey, with the interior being much smoother and more polished than the exterior. Three shallow lines cross the inside surface, as if someone had taken an sharp instrument and laid down perfectly parallel scratches.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
30
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a sundial shell
Description: When viewed from the tip of its turret, a sundial shell is a masterpiece of natural artistic workmanship. The shell spirals to a tight central point, becoming steadily and proportionally smaller with each turn. Mostly of a soft brown coloration, the shell's shape is easily defined by the thin, dark, checked umber stripes that parallel a slightly wider white stripe along the inside of the spiral's curves.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
150
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a three-lined nassa shell
Description: A wide opening, a stubby spiral, and three faintly colored lines are the identifying characteristics of a three-lined nassa shell. The outside of this diminutive shell displays white, crosshatched lines over a dark grey surface. Very muted, but still noticeable, are the three colored lines that parallel the spiral from opening to tip. The sky blue line is slightly wider than its flanking yellow and orange brethren.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
600
|
Jars? |
yes
|
a tiger cowrie shell
Description: Small and smooth, a tiger cowrie shell bulges in the middle before tapering at both ends. The shell's humpbacked side is a snow white liberally dotted with light and dark umber spots, the spots often intersecting. The curved slot running lengthwise on the white underside resembles either a frown or a smile, depending upon which way the shell is turned. Small, rough protrusions line the slot, giving it an even more mouth-like appearance.
|
Rarity: |
|
Average value: |
1400
|
Jars? |
yes
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a tiger-striped nautilus shell
Description: Beginning with a large circular opening, a tiger-striped nautilus shell spirals into a tight ball, its whorl keeping to a smooth plane and not extending outward on either side. A creamy, light chocolate coloration adorns the entire shell, except where the tiger stripes occur. Each narrow segment of the spiral displays a dark orange stripe on one edge of the segment, with the stripe thicker at the segment's hump and narrowing down toward the interior of the spiral.
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Rarity: |
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Average value: |
2000
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Jars? |
yes
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a translucent golden spiral shell
Description: Similar in shape to a straightened-out velnalin horn, a translucent golden spiral shell extends several inches as it twists tightly to a point. At its larger end, bands of dark yellow flecked with gold follow the spiral, gradually giving way to pure white at the pointed end. The shell is partially transparent, and when backlit the shell projects a golden glow.
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Rarity: |
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Average value: |
20
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Jars? |
yes
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a yellow-banded coquina shell
Description: Evoking the image of an eroded volcano with colored lava flows down its sides, a yellow-banded coquina shell is a flattened cone. Bands of dark yellow begin at the shell's point and widen out as they descend the roughened surface to the shell's edge. Interestingly, the light tan stripes separating the bands do not change in width at all between the point and edge. Purple areas and white areas swirl together on the shell's inside surface.
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Rarity: |
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Average value: |
500
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Jars? |
no
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a yellow helmet shell
Description: Shaped similarly to the banded half-globe helmets worn by the dwarven troops, a yellow helmet shell presents a roughened, tan exterior. A spiral extends off one side of the helmet shape, the spiral making several complete turns before tightening to a point. On the inside, the shell's surface is a deep mustard yellow, almost golden, polished to a bright sheen.
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Rarity: |
common
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Average value: |
10
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Jars? |
yes
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a white clam shell
Description: Its base round and an inch in diameter, a white clam shell has expanded in concentric, 240-degree arcs until it has reached a size of nearly three inches across. The individual white arcs fluctuate in shade, and small, light grey speckles add variation to the interesting, though muted, color of the shell.
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Rarity: |
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Average value: |
2750
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Jars? |
yes
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a white gryphon's wing shell
Description: A thick shell with striped coloration, a white gryphon's wing shell resembles a long wing when laid flat, and the shell's segmentation gives it a feathered look. A snow white center gives way to light grey on the edges of each long segment. Inside, the shell is a polished ash white.
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