Japanese Star Sand – Fossilized Ocean Microfauna from Okinawa
Discover the beauty of Okinawan star sand, carefully displayed in a round acrylic case. Unlike typical sand composed of rock fragments, this unique material consists of tiny, star-shaped fossils— the exoskeletons of ancient marine organisms from the Foraminifera group. These microscopic, amoeba-like creatures have existed for over 542 million years, with more than 50,000 known species.
Collected from the shores of Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan, this rare sand is a natural wonder, as only a handful of beaches worldwide contain star sand deposits. While the majority of the sand in each case is composed of Foraminifera fossils, you may also find occasional shells mixed in.
Foraminifera are valuable as index fossils, helping scientists accurately date rock layers, particularly from the Permian, Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Cenozoic periods. To truly appreciate their intricate structure, we recommend viewing these microfossils under a magnifier or microscope.
A perfect addition to any fossil collection or a fascinating gift for science and nature enthusiasts!
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