Wavy Turban Shells – These shells can be very tiny all the way up to 4″ high, the interior of the shell is similar to mother of pearl. The exterior of the shell has strong brownish sort of furry layers, which give the shell strength as it grows. Sometimes Wavy Turban shells wash up onto the beach after large storms. Still alive, local residents and beach goers kindly put them back into the ocean and tide pools. If you look at the bottom of a living Wavy Turban shell, you will find a grooved piece called an operculum, which is attached to the end of the mollusk and is used to seal up the shell very tightly. It’s like a door! Operculum’s are in the same category as Tiger Eye’s, which were used to make jewelry with. On rare occasions I have found the operculum on the beach and thought they were like special worry stone shells because my fingers fit perfectly in the grooves! One of my favorite shells!  I have written an illustrated book titled “A Guide to San Diego Sea Shells”, which can be purchased on Amazon.