[1][2][3][5] The shell of Mimachlamys varia comes in a range of colours and variegated patterns including white, pink, red, orange, yellow, or purple, and anything in between.

The valves are sculpted by fine concentric lines which show the annual growth rings.

The right anterior ear has a notch to accommodate the byssus, which anchors the shell in place, and small teeth on the lower edge.

[5] Like other scallops, this species is a filter feeder, drawing water through its gills and removing the edible fragments.

It is often overgrown by the holdfasts of the seaweeds among which it lives, and sponges such as Halichondria panicea may also grow over the shell.