THE VARIED ROLES OF SNAILS - National Universities Commission

they age they develop shell teeth, the shells become
larger and thicker.
There is also the Golden cowrie (cypraea
auranitium) which has been greatly sought after by
collectors for many centuries. Its popularity is due to
its relative rarity, its beautiful glistering orange
colouration, and because of its historical use as a
symbol of chieftainship in the Fiji Islands, South of
Japan; through out the Philippines and Solomons to
Fiji.
(v) Other Scientific and economic Uses
The Phoenicians and Romans made a purple dye
from some sea snails (e.g. Murex). The believed that
cloth coloured with this dye was more valuable than
gold.
Wampum, which consisted of beads made from
shells, was used by the Indians to decorate garments
and also to keep records. Most wampums were made
into necklaces or belts. In ancient days, Indian
wampum were used as currency.
Scientists use snail shells in their researches. For
examples, Atomic energy researchers expose shells
to atomic rays to test the effects of radiation.
Oil prospectors search for certain kinds of fossil
shells in the deserts. These shells show that the area
was an ocean bed many years before now. Large oil
pools were found in many of these ocean beds as it
is today in the Middle East areas of the world.
Man often release the snails into the environment to
act as predators of other snail e.g. Marisa
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