|
|
PREMIUM GRADE RARE CERATONURUS TRILOBITE WITH FREE-STANDING SPINES Hamar Laghdad Formation - Erfoud, Morocco DEVONIAN PERIOD: 395 - 345 million years ago The CERATONURUS trilobite is somewhat similar to the Dicranurus varieties but lacks the curled "horns" on its head and has fringed free cheeks like the Koneprusia which the Dicranurus lacks. The Ceratonurus is a rare spiny trilobite from the Devonian limestone of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and is found in much less numbers than Dicranurus. This eerie creature certainly must have been a site to behold slowly inching its way across the ocean floor hundreds of millions of years ago. If you are demanding only the finest, 'non-fabricated' spiny trilobite specimens in your collection then you should seriously consider this premium specimen. This spectacular Ceratonurus trilobite with all its spines is 100% genuine. The ORIGINAL spines from this creature have been painstakingly freed from all the limestone matrix to display this bizarre creature as it was when alive. The carapace is wonderfully preserved and is a natural dark olive black color. The limestone is a natural butter yellow hue and has been carefully prepared to a stunning smooth surface with the trilobite raised up off the rock. Using the finest modern micro-abrasive equipment and countless hours of 'nerves of steel' skill, each spine is original and natural, unlike the vast majority of spiny trilobites where the spines are fabricated from glue and resin. This example is a top choice and represents the finest Ceratonurus trilobite with GENUINE SPINES freed from their matrix. WARNING: There are several different grades of spiny trilobites on the market now with seemingly identical and very convincing appearances. Fakers have mastered producing 100% complete replicas of trilobites with free-standing spines. There are also classes of trilobites offered from the source that have varying degrees of fabrication such as a genuine trilobite but with all spines being fabricated. Prices generally will reflect the quality as the source preparators and sellers know the global prices and charge accordingly for the different degrees of authenticity of their specimens. Nevertheless, price should not be your only guide. Often, features such as thicker than normal spines and a dull, almost chalky appearance without any natural satin luster to the creature are some obvious signs of fakes. Know how to tell a genuine from a fake by reading this and rely ONLY on established professional sellers who have active experience in fossil preparation and will offer you an unconditional LIFETIME guarantee IN WRITING of the authenticity of the specimen.
Next to dinosaur fossils, trilobites command a dedicated and passionate following amongst both scientists and fossil collectors, alike. In a relatively short time-frame (scientifically speaking, of course), we have the emergence and subsequent extinction of these fascinating creatures. Still most baffling is the incredible diversity of sizes and features that made up the trilobite group. Many bizarre species co-existed with highly specialized body parts that defy the theories of evolution in their "sudden" emergence and diversity during the Early Cambrian Period in what is known as the 'Cambrian Explosion'. Trilobites were among the world's first arthropods, a phylum of hard-shelled creatures with multiple body segments and jointed legs (although the legs, antennae and other finer structures of trilobites only very rarely are preserved). They constitute an extinct class of arthropods, Trilobita, that is comprised of over 15,000 known species. It has been reported that every year, four to five new species are discovered in the Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountain regions in Morocco, alone! This desolate northern fringe of the Sahara Desert was once covered by a prehistoric ocean and its fossil deposits can be considered the world's richest and most diverse source of these ancient sea creatures. Trilobites are the single most diverse group of extinct organisms that ever existed, period! The smallest known trilobite is just three millimeters long, while the largest type grew to a length of 70 centimeters (over two feet long!). The most common fossil of trilobites is the mineralized dorsal exoskeleton of the creature. This is found in partial form from molting (shedding the shell as it grows) or in complete form when the animal was buried and died intact. The soft parts of the underside are rarely preserved. The name 'TRILOBITE' means 'three lobed" and is derived from the fact these animals had bodies featuring three longitudinal lobes, not lateral (head, body, tail) as is often thought. The lateral division of three parts is shared by many arthropods, not just trilobites. Considerable study has been done on trilobites as a whole organism. Even more fascinating though, is the research done on a microscopic level with regards to trilobite morphology. Radiographs have captured incredible detail of complete and fully articulated antennae and underparts like legs and gills, preserved in the host rock of some fossilized specimens. Perhaps the most impressive and classic feature of trilobites that comes to mind is the eyes. Microscopic studies of trilobite eye structures have also revealed marvelous adaptation and very high degrees of specialization in vision. It seems that the more we learn about trilobites, the unfolding of their mystery is stranger than fiction. Certainly we gain a greater appreciation with each new discovery of these strange and highly advanced but now extinct 'butterflies of the ancient seas'. SUPER EXAMPLE! VERY RARE TRILOBITE WITH ORIGINAL SPINES ALL FLOATING FREE OF MATRIX! 2.65" x 1.25" with original matrix, trilobite 3" long $1895 TR37-001 Actual Item - One Only |
| 1895 |
