Bynes efflorecense on sea shells

After storage in a private collection for years, in the hot and humid Florida, USA, these shells shown below received heavy attacks of Bynes efflorecense. These white powdery salts are the product of reactions between the calcium carbonate in the shells and acid gasses in the air. All shells has been stored in wooden drawers of yellow pine, each in clear plastic boxes on plastic foam. The foam has now disintegrated. The efflorecense is probably caused by emitted substances from both the wood and the foam, and the whole reaction has been accelerated by the tropical climate.

Fig. 1: Distorsio clathrata and a now unidentifiable Fusus



Fig. 2: Spisula solidissima and Macrocallista maculata



Fig. 3: Oliva sayana and Neritina virginea



Fig. 4: Lyonsia, a pair of Peronia, and a duet of little Ancistosyrinx.

Thanks to Lynn Scheu
Louisville KY,
Editor, American Conchologist,
Conchologists of America

All photos: © Lynn Scheu