Here's how it forms:
* Shell Accumulation: Beaches and shallow water areas can be rich in seashell fragments. These shells come from various marine creatures like clams, oysters, snails, and even coral.
* Cementation: Over time, the shell fragments get buried under sediment. As more sediment accumulates, pressure and dissolved minerals in groundwater start to bind the shell fragments together. This process is called cementation.
* Rock Formation: The cemented shell fragments form a solid, porous rock called coquina. The rock can vary in color depending on the types of shells involved, ranging from white to tan to brown.
Coquina is a type of bioclastic sedimentary rock, meaning it's formed from the remains of living organisms. It's often found in coastal areas where there is abundant marine life.
