Ancient Shell Found in Sunny South Alabama

My father-n-law found a very interesting shell last last year. He said it was just laying on top of the ground! We want to know how old this shell is and what it;s called. I spoke with Sandy Ebersole,Director of the Geologic Investigations Program with Geological Survey of Alabama to get some about answers.

The shell was found in the Sunny South area of Alabama. Sunny South is near Thomasville, Al. Mrs. Ebersole is a paleontologist, scientist who studies fossils. I email her several pictures. She was excited to see them and replied:

Thanks, Scott. Beautiful! Also, could you remind me of the location for which this was collected (this will help me identify the geologic unit and age)?
This is a Turritellid such as Turritella exil (I’ll have to check the species/subspecies and age to be sure).

That’s a great find – very well preserved. I’ve got a meeting most of today – but will look at some geologic maps for comparison soon and get back with you. We have some similar ones in our paleontology research collection here, but Turritella in general often break apart eventually. This particular type though tends to be a little tougher and holds up better to weathering. I’ll send you some additional information you may find interesting when I find out more.
Thanks.

I look forward to learning more about this shell. It kinda make me want to go to Sunny South on an expedition!

UPDATE 1-25-16

I received this email from Sandy Ebersole last last week. She must have done a little research!

Hello,
Based on paleontology references, your photographed specimen most closely resembles the features of the gastropod (sea snail) Turritella mortoni.
From geologic maps and the collection location given, this is most likely from the geologic unit Tuscahoma Sand, estimated to be late Paleocene age (~56-59 million years old on the geologic time scale).
Although a little worn, this is a very nice specimen and shows the raised ornamentation specific to this species as well as another species, T. praecincta, also found in the Tuscahoma Sand.
Thank you for sharing your specimen photos with us – it is a very nice one.

Thank you Sandy!

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