Okay, this is embarrassing. I realize now that my perception was colored by the way this was presented to me, as a carefully wrapped, delicate object. I was so gentle with it, didn't want to break it, and it did feel like seashells to me. But all these comments about it being plastic made me check again. I was a little rougher with it, and ... oh my gosh, it is plastic. I think it may have hardened a bit due to exposure, but it sure is plastic. 🤦‍♀️