The queen scallop is smaller than the great scallop, but can still reach a diameter of 9 cm. It has 18-22 coarse ridges radiating from the dorsal margin. The colour is usually brown, red, pink or orange and it is often marked with bands are zigzag patterns. The two shells are approximately of the same shape. The ears are similarly shaped, but ears on right (under) valve is slightly bigger than those of the left (top) valve.