Coquina Rock was formed during the Pleistocene Ice Age, approximately between 1.8 million years ago to 11,550 years ago. The end of the Pleistocene Era corresponds with the retreat of the last continental glacier. Coquina rock, geologically known as Donak Variabilis, is mainly composed of incompletely consolidated sedimentary rock. It is formed of billions of small clam-like seashell, called Coquina, or cockleshell. Overall composition of most Coquina rock is a mixture of these small marine clams, crushed oyster shell, mollusk shell, fragmented fossils, fragmented coral, crinoids, limestone, red sand, white sand, phosphate, calcite, and perhaps a little clay.
Coquina rock, as it exists today, was formed along the East Coast of Florida. Formations can be found near the coast, from Palm Beach, Florida, then Northward to South of Jacksonville, Florida. Coquina rock can be found as far as 20 miles inland, and most deposits follow the Eastern Coast, and along the now I-95 corridor. Florida is not the only place it is found as variations can extend into North Carolina. Coquina and very similar formations of it can also be found in many places around the world.
Many people believe the Bulow Strain of Coquina rock is the prettiest due to the orange color tints and hue variations as well as the extensive ocean wear and sculptured look of the peices. The orange tint in this particular Coquina rock is derived from a heavier mixture of red sand. Other types of Coquina from other areas vary in color most of them lighter or whiter due to their dominant mixture of lighter sand and whiter sea shell, oyster shell, and limestone content. Consistency and texture from the Bulow Strain Coquina can also vary as the seas washed and moved different concentrations of each aggregate in different quantity and different depth when forming.
This particular piece of Coquina Rock measures approximately 8" Inches by 5" Inches and features variations in texture and a lighter, whiter coloring.
