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100% NATURAL RADIAL DENDRITES LIKE THIS ADORN THIS ORIGINAL SLAB
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RARE SUPREME SQUID FOSSIL IN NATURAL RED PIGMENT WITH CALCITE CRYSTALS ON LARGE LIMESTONE SLAB Solnhofen Lithographic Limestone Formation - Eichstatt, Germany JURASSIC PERIOD: 150 million years ago Famous for producing an astonishing diversity of rare and most intricately preserved fossils found anywhere in the world, the Jurassic lithographic limestone deposits of southern Germany are legendary. Quarries in the region are privately held and mostly worked by hand on a small scale. The finest grade fossils are few and far between and much rock must be split to locate them. The best fossils are most often kept by the quarry owners who themselves, are often collectors. Some quarries are operated on a large scale but these are now dug with machinery instead of manual labor. Because of this the rock is damaged and along with it, the rare fossils. What all this means today is that even fewer fine grade Solnhofen fossils are found and when they are, rarely do the best pieces make it to market. Occasionally, an old private collection surfaces and specimens are sold or traded. This is where the rare opportunity comes along to acquire a specimen on a level that truly is a prize find. Typically, the older material is often the best as it was collected when the deposits were first being worked and quality was in greater abundance. In light of all this, we are most pleased to offer a true museum-class fossil specimen that will surely appreciate over time. This is a fossil of the Jurassic squid Plesioteuthis. Its rare features include an unusually large overall size, very rare red pigmentation and large calcite crystal preservation within certain anatomy. Specimens like this are very scarce in today's market and most often, when one becomes available, it is from an old collection. The majority of Solnhofen squid fossils are difficult to see with not much NATURALLY-OCCURRING contrasting pigment in the fossil to make it visible against the matrix. This is the first time we have seen a pigment of this color and seeing it in person is much more impressive. A remarkable brick red coloration dominates much of the squid body, mixed with regions of gold and orange. The third photo from the top shows the internal structures of this very large Plesioteuthis squid, perfectly preserved in the limestone. Soft tissue is rarely fossilized of any animal but here, you can see the outline of the entire body of the creature. The cuttlebone has left an exquisite impression and a rare presence of a well-inflated ink sac, which has turned to very large white calcite crystals peaking up through the surface of the stone. Where the tentacles were at the mouth, you can also see a deep region of heavy, large calcite crystals where this soft tissue once was. Since squid are mostly made up of soft tissue, only the internal bullet-shaped skeleton is found. Very uncommon for old collection Solnhofen material where the limestone plate is trimmed close near the fossil, the slab this squid fossil is on is very large and makes this a perfect candidate for an interior design accent. LIMESTONE SLAB IS INTACT AND UNBROKEN. Squid is in the finest preservation and is 100% NATURAL, COMPLETE AND WITH NO REPAIR AND NO RESTORATION. Like snowflakes, natural radial dendrites adorn the limestone plate and make interesting mineral accents to this splendid squid fossil specimen. Squid belong to the family of invertebrates called CEPHALOPODS. Modern members include the nautilus, squid and octopus. They first appeared during the Silurian Period (435 million to 410 million years ago) and were abundant and widespread in the seas of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods (175 million to 65 million years ago). Cephalopods are important index fossils — that is, they often link the rock layer in which they are found to specific geological time periods. Squid and cuttlefish fossils are rare. Impressions of their internal skeletons are all that are usually found preserved. In rare instances, soft body parts and tissue are found preserved, and even more rarely, the ink sac. Modern squid and cuttlefish most likely can be equated with their prehistoric cousins. Extant species have some of the most highly developed nervous systems amongst all invertebrates. They are extremely adept at both evading predators and hunting prey on their own. Their stream-lined bodies are equipped with side fins that enable them to steer when moving. Some squid possess an ink sac which is used at the most strategic moment when pursued by a predator in order to confuse and escape imminent danger. This extremely RARE and highly aesthetic prehistoric squid fossil comes with our HIGHEST recommendation. Compared to the ridiculous prices many other types of collectibles are fetching these days, the price on this specimen certainly does not reflect it's true rarity. Beyond that, it is visually incredibly beautiful, much more so than these photos convey. Such a specimen rivals any original man-made art at a mere fraction of the price of an original painting, for example. Whether displayed in an advanced private or a large public museum collection, this specimen will undoubtedly be an important and highly regarded example by all that experience it. It certainly would be THE most qualified candidate for textbook or reference book publication. Some of the largest dinosaurs that ever walked the earth were in existence when this Plesioteuthis squid swam in the ancient seas alongside massive plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs! RARE STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL NATURAL RED PIGMENT - LARGE CALCITE CRYSTALS FILL THE FOSSILIZED INK SAK AND TENTACLE REGION!!! 28" x 20.5" high overall with squid 11.75" long $2995 SQ003 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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