A notable find for the Dig Dive Discover Dive Team came in late 2016 when fossil diver @WildKyle discovered a special spot on a remote tributary containing an unusually high abundance of Agatized Oysters.
Agatized Oysters have previously been found in Florida, but they are generally considered uncommon and usually occur as isolated finds. Kyle notes that, “Before finding this hotspot, I had only encountered a few fossil oysters in my decades of diving throughout the region, and none could match the size or thickness of these specimens.”
Kyle turned the discovery over to scientists, and scientific study of the site continued through 2025. In the spring of 2025, Rick, Henry, and Kyle decided to make the trek back out and recover a small number of specimens to share with fossil and agate enthusiasts.
The team recovered roughly two dozen oysters, but only about a dozen survived the cutting and lapidary process. Several specimens were set aside for study by Roger Portell, Invertebrate Paleontologist at the Florida Museum of Natural History. A handful were retained in the Dig Dive Discover private collection, while a few were released to collectors.
The response was immediate. Collectors were fascinated by the unusual angel wing shapes, array of amber, honey, white and black colors, intricate patterns, druzy pockets and impressive UV-reactive properties of the oysters. It quickly became clear that there was strong interest in these rare specimens, so we began making regular trips back to the site, refining our recovery techniques and learning how to responsibly collect them. Today, we are able to offer these remarkable fossils from time to time, often cutting them live during our livestream sales (Check it out here).
These fossil oysters represent one of the most unique and rarely available Florida fossils in private hands. To our knowledge, Dig Dive Discover is the only source regularly offering specimens from this locality, or even of agatized oysters making them an uncommon addition to even the most advanced collections. If you'd like the opportunity to own one of these extraordinary pieces of Florida's ancient waterways, join us during one of our live sales and watch them being cut in real time.
