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NATURAL TRIPLE LANNACUS TRILOBITE FOSSIL LAYER SLAB 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 or heavily restored. The species predominantly is found on the market as isolated, single concretion specimens but this example we offer here is a RARE LAYER discovery with THREE Lannacus trilobites NATURALLY associated together on a shale layer matrix rather than concretion. It is often that Moroccan craftsmen artificially assemble trilobites that were found isolated and separate to be glued together to make a showy display piece. Trilobites DO occur in the fossil record in groups but the majory of Moroccan trilobite fossils are not authentic natural groups which dramatically affects the value and rarity of the piece versus a NATURAL group of trilobites. This example here is a TRUE natural grouping of three of this species. The photo of the back of the rock layer shows only repair but none of the typical plastic epoxy glue piecing together formerly individual trilobites. Each of these three trilobites is a well-preserved specimen - two of which have virtually no restoration (mainly crack repair) and the third with a minor amount of restoration on the central lobe in a portion of only about 5 or 6 segment lengths. This is THE FIRST NATURAL Lannacus trilobite multiples we have ever offered and its occurrence is very rare. Each of these trilobites is in exceptional preservation, fully articulated and exhibits the fullest possible, lifelike inflation. The orange coloring is a result of the naturally-occurring limonite pigment and has been sealed for protection. Anatomy that is usually missing in these includes eyes and genal spines yet all of this anatomy in all three trilobites is genuine and exhibits full, pronounced anatomical relief! A fourth smaller trilobite of unknown species can be seen with just a head peeking up out of the rock. BOTH genal spine tips are GENUINE. The heavy limestone concretion matrix wonderfully preserved and complete with original pigment on the outer skin, seen in the back side photos above. The outer surface of the concretion has NOT been colored or painted and has only been sealed to also preserve this beautiful natural coloring as well as to strengthen and stabilize any fractures in the concretion. Here's a RARE natural multiple LARGE Ordovician trilobite fossil that makes a fantastic display fossil. It has inherent, aesthetic beauty and is attractive as it is rare.
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 OF A LAYER DEPOSIT - THREE NATURALLY ASSOCIATED EXAMPLES RATHER THAN SINGLE, SEPARATE CONCRETIONS 18.25" x 15.25" overall, trilobites range in lengths from 8.25" - 7.2" in length $2895 TRX-026 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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