Shell large, elliptical, or oblong, thick, usually heavy, and compressed to moderately inflated. Anterior end rounded, posterior end bluntly pointed. Umbos slightly elevated above the hinge line. Beak sculpture of a few fine, double-looped ridges, usually visible only in young shells. Periostracum smooth, yellowish brown with numerous green rays. Large shells dark brown with faint green rays or rayless. Length to 7 inches.

Pseudocardinal teeth large, slightly elevated and serrated; two in the left valve, one in the right. Lateral teeth straight to slightly curved, thin, and moderately long. Beak cavity shallow to moderately deep. Nacre white, occasionally tinged with pink or salmon, iridescent posteriorly.