By Mary Krauszer.

'Clay babies', 'water babies', mud-puppies', 'fairy stones' - whatever you call these clay concretions, they are a treat to see on the beach! 

Examples of "clay babies" on Puget Sound beaches.

These hard clay formations come in all kinds of CRAZY shapes and are signs of the glacial history of our region. 

Clay concretions are formed in shallow lakes or ponds where clay has settled. Minerals in the water, like calcium, precipitate out of solution concentrically around something like sand grains or shells. In the Puget Sound, these concretions erode out of clay layers in our beaches and shoreline banks as a result of natural sediment processes. 

Is it just us, or does this clay baby rock look like a fidget spinner?

The clay babies pictured here were seen on Fox Island and Key Peninsula beaches where Pierce Conservation District is partnering with landowners to plan shoreline habitat restoration projects. The geology of our shorelines is important to the critters who rely on healthy beaches. Our Shore Friendly Pierce program helps waterfront homeowners on the Puget Sound to understand their properties’ geology and sediment processes, so they can make informed decisions to protect their properties and the health of the Puget Sound. 

Puget Sound beaches with clay layers nearby are a great place to find clay babies!

Have you ever found one of these rocks on the beach? Where have you seen them?

Just like critters, shells, and driftwood, we recommend that you leave these babies on the beach where to find them, so they can be enjoyed by others! 

Even more examples found on Puget Sound shores.