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OUR MOST BEAUTIFUL LARGE ASAPHUS TRILOBITE ON AMAZING NATURAL BULLSEYE PATTERN SEDIMENTARY HOST ROCK Anti-Atlas Mountain Range, South Morocco ORDOVICIAN PERIOD: 510 million years ago The moment we saw this spectacular large Asaphid trilobite, we were in disbelief. Some may find it silly to call a trilobite "gorgeous" but never before have a I seen bullseye patterned matrix surrounding a trilobite in concentric rings like this. Yes.... this one IS gorgeous! Even if you could care less about trilobite fossils, how can you not help to admire such a beautiful and rare occurrence of this specimen's preservation features? Forget for a moment that the trilobite itself is very large, fully inflated with high, dramatic relief and it is 100% COMPLETE WITH NO RESTORATION, just look at the bizarre host rock it was found in!!! We have spent considerable time in Morocco and over many years, have dealt with some of the finest specimens that have come from that region of the world but this is the first time we have encountered such a unique specimen as this. It came from a recent acquisition whereby it was one of a few with this matrix coloration. This specimen is the best of the single specimens of this group. The color, of course, is 100% natural and photos of the back side of this slab are shown above to demonstrate not only this color running through the entire depth of the layer but the degree to which this slab of host rock is complete and not all patched together with plastic. If the lines were just randomly running through the rock, that would be nice enough but the incredible beauty of this piece is the fact that the colored rings encircle the trilobite like ripples in mud as if it were burrowing across the ocean floor some 500 million years ago. Because of the rarity of this fossil, it was meticulously lab-prepped to ensure the best possible presentation. This exquisite Asaphid trilobite exhibits the fullest inflation and relief possible. One cannot help but to think it is still alive as it protrudes dramatically up off the rock with no distortion. The original carapace is still mostly present. BOTH eyes are very full and genuine. The color is natural with only a clear preservant applied to the carapace for protection. The original caramel and coffee brown limestone host rock is NATURAL in color and is quite thick with only very minor repair from extraction damage. This is one of the most impressive specimens to display and certainly a rare and true investment-grade example. The profound look, color, pattern in the stone and quality of this massive trilobite along with it being a very rare and unique type, make for an awe-inspiring display. The most beautiful example we have ever offered!
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'. ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND IMPRESSIVE ASAPHUS SPECIMENS WE'VE ENCOUNTERED - 100% NATURAL STONE COLOR! 10.5" x 10" overall with matrix, trilobite 8.5" in length SOLD TRX-013 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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