Rockhounding.org

Point Shirley, Massachusetts (Pleistocene)

Suffolk County, Massachusetts
Directions
Next site in MassachusettsRichard Graham clay pit · 8 mi

Can I collect here?

Pro
See who owns this land and whether it is claimedPro shows the owner, the claim on this spot and every claim within a mile.
Read the collecting rules by land type

Based on our latest records, with claims updated from the BLM on Oct 9, 2026. Land and claims can change quickly, so check before you go.

Minerals on record here

1 mineral

Recorded here: fossil.

Nearby sites

All of Massachusetts
8 miRichard Graham clay pitFossil8 miHewitts Cove SectionFossil8 miMaldenNovaculite

More fossil sites in Massachusetts

See them all

More sites in Massachusetts

View all Massachusetts sites
The Market

New on the Market

Native American arrowheadNative American arrowhead$20cubedmoons3Browse the Market

Found something here? List it for sale

About Point Shirley, Massachusetts (Pleistocene)

Point Shirley, Massachusetts (Pleistocene) is a fossil collection site in Suffolk, Massachusetts, cataloged in the Paleobiology Database. The depositional environment is recorded as coastal indet. Documented finds include Ilyanassa trivittata, Ilyanassa obsoleta, Urosalpinx cinerea, Mya (Arenomya) arenaria, Mercenaria mercenaria, Aligena elevata.

Geologic setting

Geologic interval
Late Pleistocene
Age
0.129–0.0117 Ma
Depositional environment
coastal indet.
Recorded occurrences
7
Geology notes

DEPTH: no specific data, apparently, shallow shelfal fauna. SALINITY: no specific data, apparently normal marine. THERMAL TOLERANCES: no specific data, apparently temperate fauna. PALEOBIOGEOGRAPHY: Acadian fauna, mixed with a more southern assemblage of animals - taxa are those that largely exits around modern Cape Code, MA.

Locality notes

SPECIFIC LOCATION: Point Shirley, near Boston, Massachusetts. LAT/LONG: estimated based on Point Shirley, Massachusetts (GNIS)

Fossils found here

Ilyanassa trivittata
Gastropoda · Nassariidae
Ilyanassa obsoleta
Gastropoda · Nassariidae
Urosalpinx cinerea
Gastropoda · Muricidae
Mya (Arenomya) arenaria
Bivalvia · Myidae
Mercenaria mercenaria
Bivalvia · Veneridae
Aligena elevata
Bivalvia · Lasaeidae
Crassostrea virginica
Bivalvia · Ostreidae

Records and references

Data: Paleobiology Database collection 61267 (CC BY 4.0) — view the source record

Getting there

No directions yet.

How hard is it?

Getting there
– / 5
Finding anything
– / 5
Votes
0

Trip reports

No trip reports yet.

Questions about Point Shirley, Massachusetts (Pleistocene)

Can you collect at Point Shirley, Massachusetts (Pleistocene)?

It depends on who owns the land and whether a mining claim covers it. BLM land usually allows hand collecting for personal use, national parks allow none, and private land needs the owner’s permission. Pro members see the owner and any claims at this spot.

What minerals are found at Point Shirley, Massachusetts (Pleistocene)?

Fossil.

Comments

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

No comments yet.

What to bring

The whole kit
  • Estwing E3-22P Rock PickThe industry-standard 22oz geological hammer. One-piece forged steel with shock-reduction grip.See it on AmazonCompare picks
  • Clear Anti-Fog Safety Glasses (4 Pack)Adjustable, anti-fog lenses for clear vision in any conditions.See it on AmazonCompare picks
  • Watertight Medical KitCompact, waterproof first aid kit with bandages, moleskin, and field essentials.See it on AmazonCompare picks
  • Rockhounding New England: A Guide to 100 of the Region's Best Rockhounding SitesNew England is one of the best regions in the country for rockhounds to hunt for minerals, gems, and fossils. The comple...See it on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Source: Paleobiology Database.