Ecphora (IMAGE) Carnegie Institution for Science Caption A 15-million-year-old fossil gastropod, Ecphora, from the Calvert Cliffs of southern Maryland is depicted. The golden brown color arises from the original shell-binding proteins and pigments preserved in the mineralized shell. Picture is provided courtesy of John Nance. Credit John Nance Usage Restrictions With credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.