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DICRANURUS MONSTROSUS TRILOBITE LAB PREPPED - Atlas Mountain Range, Morocco DEVONIAN PERIOD: 395 - 345 million years ago The Dicranurus monstrosus must have been one of the most terrifying trilobite to all its fellow invertebrates. It is well named looking like a "monster". Large and long spines protruding out from its creepy body, this bottom-dwelling creature of the prehistoric seas would have been a marvel to see alive creeping across the ocean floor. The Dicranurus monstrosus is one of the most sought-after species of rare spiny trilobites and very few authentic specimens ever make it to the public market. This specific example is the best we have ever had. ALL the spines are genuine and the two leading pairs as well as the "ram's horns" have been meticulously prepared to be completely free-standing and devoid of any supporting matrix, exactly as the creature lived nearly 400 million years ago. Minor inconsistencies in the surface of the spines are only joints where they were reattached as part of the repair and preparation of the specimen. One of the most interesting features and the first we have ever had is the extremely thick vein of calcite mineral that makes up the front of this rock. This is original and also, completely natural. The first image above shows the beautiful crystalline structure. What a bonus! Due to the fragile nature of trilobite spines, it is VERY common to blast the trilobite free of all matrix (and their original spines) and recreate them by using putty or resin and reattaching them to the body. If you see spines that look droopy, abnormally thick or lacking a nice gradual taper from the body to a fine point, then it is almost certain the spines are fake. Furthermore, many authentic and original trilobite spines have the same grainy pustulose surface that can be found on areas of the body. Spines that lack this are clay-looking or smooth on their surface should be highly suspect. If you look closely at the images above, you can see these spines are authentic based on the lack of these tell-tale signs of restoration. The demand for authentic spiny trilobite specimens is very strong and they are always in VERY limited supply. We guarantee the genuineness of this superb specimen. This exquisite example has been carefully and skillfully prepared with modern micro-blasting equipment under a high-power microscope. The result is meticulous removal of all matrix and complete preservation of the most minute ORIGINAL AND COMPLETELY NATURAL details. Worthy of
any museum exhibit as well as your private collection, this fossil of
superb, investment quality and features fine detail and all genuine
free-standing spines. This 100% genuine spiny Dicranurus
monstrosus trilobite represents the highest grade one can find in ANY
trilobite specimen and is a must have for those collectors that demand
only the best!
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 GENUINE SPECIMEN WITH UNTOLD HOURS OF PREPARATION UNDER A MICROSCOPE! 4.4" x 3.5" with original matrix, animal approximately 3" long and wide SOLD TR701 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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1895