conch.

Identifying a conch;hold the conch shell in your hand such that its top portion or head faces towards you. observe the opening on it if it opens on the left side it is vamavarti shanka, if it opens on right side it is dakshinavarti shanka. Generally vamavarti shanka are used for blowing purposes and dakshinavarti shanka are used for worship and abhishekam.Shanks are subjected to processes of cleaning trimming and grinding which bring in the shiny appearance some  times flower pattern are carved on the shells mechanically. Porcelain comes closest to the material of the shanka. some natural depressions mostly in vamavarti shanks there is presence of small cavity towards the tail of the shanks, this is not considered as defect but if the tip of the shank is broken or there is a hole in the conch shell then they are not acceptable as they are khandishankh.blowing shank requires skill and practice.