Virginia possesses a geological history stretching back hundreds of millions of years, leaving a remarkable record of life. Much of this ancient past is preserved within the rocks and sediments of the Coastal Plain, a region once submerged beneath a vast ocean. These layers contain numerous fossilized remains, showcasing a dynamic environment. The Commonwealth recognizes this heritage by designating one specific specimen as a symbol of its deep natural history.
The Official State Fossil
The state fossil of Virginia is the extinct giant scallop, Chesapecten jeffersonius. This designation was made official by the Virginia General Assembly in 1993 and is legally codified in the Virginia Code § 1-510. The species belongs to the family Pectinidae, but this ancient relative was notably larger than its living descendants. Its shell is characterized by a distinctive, rounded shape and a size that could reach up to 11 inches across.
The fossilized shell features between nine and twelve prominent, wide ribs radiating outward from the apex. One valve is slightly more convex than the other, a common feature in these bivalves. Its large size, durability, and abundance have made Chesapecten jeffersonius a well-recognized symbol of the state’s natural history.
Geological Context and Discovery
Chesapecten jeffersonius lived during the Early Pliocene Epoch, approximately 4.5 to 4.3 million years ago. During this period, much of the Coastal Plain was covered by the warm, shallow Yorktown Sea. The climate was warmer than it is today, supporting a rich diversity of marine invertebrates. The ancient coastline extended roughly 40 miles farther inland than the present-day shore.
The remains of this extinct scallop are commonly found in the exposed sedimentary layers of the Lower Yorktown Formation. High concentrations of the shells are discovered along the Coastal Plain cliffs of major southeastern Virginia rivers. Locations such as the bluffs along the James River and the Chesapeake Bay tributaries are known for yielding well-preserved specimens. The species serves as an index fossil, meaning its presence helps geologists date the rock layers where it is found.
Significance and Selection
The selection of Chesapecten jeffersonius was based on its scientific importance and historical connection to the state. It holds the distinction of being the first North American fossil illustrated in scientific literature, appearing in a publication by Martin Lister as early as 1687. The species was formally named Pecten jeffersonius in 1824 to honor Thomas Jefferson, a Virginian and early American naturalist.
The legislative effort to designate the fossil was driven by local citizens and students. High school student Molly Schaefer and geology professor Gerald Johnson championed the cause to the Virginia General Assembly. Their campaign highlighted the fossil’s abundance, ease of identification, and its unique historical ties to the Commonwealth. The resulting legislation cemented the scallop’s status as a symbol connecting Virginia’s ancient marine past with its modern identity.