These are small pieces of broken quahog shells sold by the pound. There are approximately 15 to 20 pieces of shell per pound. The number of pieces per pound will vary depending on the size of the shell pieces.
The quahog (or quahaug) is native to the eastern shores of North America. There are specialist names for different sizes of this species of clam. The smallest clams are called countnecks, next size up are littlenecks, then topnecks. Above that are the cherry stones, and the largest are called quahogs or chowder clams. The shells have been shucked and cleaned in cold water.
This species is not endangered. The shells are a by-product of the food industry and come from sustainable fisheries.
A USFWS export permit is required for all exports outside of the U.S.