What Are the Different Types of Turbo Shells?

Collectors value turbo shells as decorative pieces for their homes. Typically, they have silver, gold and pearl polished finishes. Turbo shells belong the family of gastropods, also known as snails. With each species comes a surprising degree of variation in pattern, shape, color and ornamentation.

  1. Giant Green Turbo

    • The giant green turbo from Madagascar ranges in color from jade to turquoise and displays green spiral stripes with a shiny silvery interior.

    Turbo Marmoratus

    • Also known as marbled turbo shells, this species shows off a natural deep luster. It has pink, green and gold highlights with the smaller sizes having a green spiral.

    African Turbo

    • The turbo sarmaticus from South Africa offers vivid patterns of brown, blotches of orange and strong contrasting black stripes.

    Gold Mouth Turbo

    • The gold mouth turbo shell has a golden interior with a white and brown exterior. Additionally, it boasts a smooth golden brown to bronze spiral with a vanilla or flesh-colored surface.

    Pearled Yoka Star Turbo

    • This unique star-shaped shell comes from the Philippines. It offers a pearl finish, an iridescent white or fine golden-rose glow and fragile spines.