Identify a Seashell

The two main kinds of seashells

Most shells you'll find on a beach come from one of two groups of mollusks. Sand dollars, sea urchin shells and sea stars aren't mollusks at all - they're echinoderms - but the tool identifies those too.

• Gastropods (sea snails) - a single shell, usually spiraled, like whelks, conchs, moon snails, olives, cowries and augers
• Bivalves - two hinged halves, like scallops, clams, cockles, oysters, mussels, ark shells and jingle shells

Is there an animal inside?

Before you pocket a shell, make sure it's empty. A live snail may be tucked deep inside, and live sand dollars are brownish and covered in tiny moving spines - the white, sun-bleached ones are empty skeletons. Put anything alive back in the water where you found it.

Can you keep the shells you find?

In many places, yes - but the rules vary. Some US states and counties restrict collecting live shells, many national parks and wildlife refuges don't allow you to take shells at all, and some countries ban taking shells, sand or coral home. Check the local rules before you collect.

How to clean seashells

A little care brings out their colors:

• Soak empty shells in fresh water for a few days, changing the water daily, to remove salt and sand
• Scrub gently with an old toothbrush
• For stubborn grime, a short soak in diluted bleach helps - but it can fade colors and dull shiny shells
• Rub a little mineral oil on dull shells to bring back their luster

Handle cone shells with care

Cone snails, found mainly in warm tropical waters, have a venomous, harpoon-like tooth, and some species' stings can be dangerous to people. Empty cone shells are safe, but never pick up a live one.