Common Beach Shells

Combing beaches for shells is one of life's simple joys, and knowing what you're finding makes the seaside mementos even more special. Most common beach shells come from invertebrate animals classified as mollusks, according to SeashellWorld.com. These animals, such as snails or clams, have no internal skeleton, so they use shells as a protective exoskelton. After a mollusk dies, lucky collectors can find their shells washed up on shore.

  1. Conches

    • Conch shells are known for their spiral shapes.

      The conch is a well-recognized mollusk, easily identified by its spiral shape, which is most defined at the end of the shell. Conches typically live in colonies in sand and grassy areas, according to SeashellWorld.com. The sizes and colors of conch shells vary greatly, from varieties so small that they often are crushed by waves, to large varieties like the Queen Conch, a protected species that can grow to 12 inches and weigh five pounds, according to NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. On beaches, smaller conches are likely to be found in white, brown, or rose shades.

    Sundials

    • Another common mollusk shell is the sundial, which is typically found in the shallow sands of warm-water regions, according to Washington State University's Natural History Museum. The flattened sundial has a detailed whirling, pinwheel pattern on its top, and can also have a smooth or beaded surface. It also has a concave bottom with detailed banding that resembles a spiral staircase.

    Cowries

    • The cowrie has a natural glossy look.

      The cowrie (or cowry) shell is easy to spot because of its brightly polished look, which is naturally caused by a deep enamel coating, according to Washington State University's Natural History Museum. The rounded shape of the shell appears almost symmetrical and resembles an almond. These mollusks, of which there are more than 200 species, are commonly found in the tropics and frequently used for jewelery.

    Clam shells

    • Some varieties of clams can be eaten.

      Found typically in shallow waters, clam shells are part of the bivavle shell classification, according to SeashellWorld.com. Bivavle mollusks have two identical shell halves that are hinged, same as an oyster shell, according to Washington State University's Natural History Museum. The outside of these shells often has a grooved texture, and pearls can sometimes be found inside.