Wavy Turban: The Seashell, Not the Fashion Statement
Posted by Jody on March 1, 2012

Portrait of María Teresa Tyszkiewicz (Poniatowski), circa 1797 (PD-1923, Kazimier Lachnov/Wikimedia Commons)
The wavy turban (Lithopoma undosum) is not the newest fashion statement. It’s a very sturdy seashell find! Shaped like a top (remember those?), this shell is covered with thick, brown periostracum, making it appear quite hairy.
Growing up to 4 ½” in diameter, this slow moving marine snail’s habitat ranges from Point Conception, California, throughout the Channel Islands (located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California) to central Baja California in Mexico. Living in rocky areas from the low tide level to 70′ deep, this beauty is abundant in the warm coastal waters of Southern California.
We found our beautiful wavy turban beach treasures on the shores of Santa Catalina Island, one of California’s eight Channel Islands. ~Catalina is only a one hour boat ride from Long Beach.
So, if you’re looking for a Wavy Turban, you don’t need to travel all the way to Paris. Just head to the beach!
Happy beachcombing!
Related Catalina Island posts: Wavy Turbans, Tile & Lots of Fun!
Pebbly Beach: Beachcombing for Little Pieces of the Past
~~~~~
Leave a Reply