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FINEST GRADE LARGE NATURAL LANNACUS TRILOBITE IN COMPLETE CONCRETION WITH NEGATIVE HALF Anti- Atlas Region, Morocco ORDOVICIAN PERIOD: 510 million years ago The Lannacus species of asaphid trilobite is a large trilobite from the Anti-Atlas Ordovician deposits in southern Morocco. Seldom seen of fine grades on the market anymore, they are usually of poor quality, composites of multiple trilobites or heavily restored. If you asked us to find the finest example of a Lannacus trilobite, then this specimen would be a candidate. It even includes the COMPLETE concretion in which is was found - the upper negative half as seen in the final photos above. This incredible specimen has been completely prepared in our lab in Florida so we can attest to a full and accurate assessment of what work has been done to the specimen. The entire trilobite has been fully exposed and is 100% GENUINE AND COMPLETE WITH NO RESTORATION. The negative impression further demonstrates the authenticity and originality of the positive half of the concretion. We usually apply a sealer to the trilobite to preserve the original limonite and create better contrast but in this case, the trilobite had such an intense natural limonite coloring that we opted to apply a light matte sealer and preserve the original appearance as it was when first discovered. This is one of the most colorful natural specimens we have ever offered. It is also one of the largest if not largest, we have ever offered! The original collecting fracture we left visible for the "purist" collector or museum which appreciates fossils in their most natural state regarding the lack of restoration. This complete and natural Lannacus trilobite is one of the finest we have ever seen or prepared. It would be a prize addition to the world's finest trilobite collections. Quality examples of this trilobite have now become extremely scarce. The entire creature is fully articulated and exhibits the fullest possible, lifelike inflation along with wonderful detail and preservation. The orange coloring is a result of the naturally-occurring limonite pigment. The eyes are both genuine and exhibit full, pronounced anatomical relief, VERY RARE! BOTH genal spine tips are GENUINE. The heavy limestone concretion matrix is wonderfully intact and complete. Here's a SUPER RARE trilobite that makes a fantastic display fossil for it's rarity, 100% COMPLETE, natural condition and impressive size on its thick and original rock matrix. This trilobite type is surely to appreciate as the extremely limited supply continues to dwindle as evidenced by the already lack of fine examples found in today's market. When the rare moment comes along to purchase a fossil of the highest grade possible such as this piece, it surely will provide a lifetime of pride as well as prove to be a rewarding investment!
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'. A RARE SPECIMEN WITH A COMPLETE CONCRETION - 100% COMPLETE WITH ZERO FABRICATION OR RESTORATION! 9.5" long and 8.5" wide overall, trilobite is 8.15" in length x 6.75" wide $1895 TRX-012 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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