| FREAKS There are many probable reasons that may cause freak forms in cowries, either in the colouring or in the malformation (distortion),of the shell. An injury to the mantle can cause pattern variation or the accumulation of barnacles on the shell. While pollution in the waters, an unusual overcasting in colour, example the green stercoraria in the background of this page. Other freaks can be found with various, not normal deposits of excessive callus giving the shell a distorted look. Or additional layers of nacre, ( mother of perl ) for which Nitrates are though to be responsible. Whatever the reason though, a freak is always an intresting addition to a collection. |