Reviews
3" Flying Crotalocephalina Trilobite - Exposed Hypostome
This is an exceptional, 3" long specimen of Crotalocephalina gibbus, collected near Atchana, Morocco. Exhibiting remarkable shell preservation, beautiful natural coloration, and truly masterful preparation, this impressive trilobite is a superb example of the artistry and precision achievable in fine fossil preparation.
The specimen has been painstakingly prepared in a spectacular "flying" pose, with nearly all of the surrounding limestone meticulously removed, leaving the trilobite seemingly suspended above its matrix on a slender natural stone pedestal. This extraordinarily demanding style of preparation requires tremendous skill and patience, creating a dramatic, three-dimensional presentation that showcases the fossil's intricate anatomy from multiple angles.
Particularly noteworthy is the exposed hypostome (mouthplate) on the underside of the head, an anatomical feature rarely visible in conventionally prepared trilobites. The beautifully preserved exoskeleton exhibits exceptional surface detail and rich, naturally varied shell coloration, further enhancing its visual appeal.
Restoration is exceptionally minimal, totaling less than 1% of the shell. Combining outstanding preservation, remarkable preparation, and an unusually complete presentation of its anatomy, this is a truly distinguished collector-grade specimen worthy of a premier fossil collection.
The specimen has been painstakingly prepared in a spectacular "flying" pose, with nearly all of the surrounding limestone meticulously removed, leaving the trilobite seemingly suspended above its matrix on a slender natural stone pedestal. This extraordinarily demanding style of preparation requires tremendous skill and patience, creating a dramatic, three-dimensional presentation that showcases the fossil's intricate anatomy from multiple angles.
Particularly noteworthy is the exposed hypostome (mouthplate) on the underside of the head, an anatomical feature rarely visible in conventionally prepared trilobites. The beautifully preserved exoskeleton exhibits exceptional surface detail and rich, naturally varied shell coloration, further enhancing its visual appeal.
Restoration is exceptionally minimal, totaling less than 1% of the shell. Combining outstanding preservation, remarkable preparation, and an unusually complete presentation of its anatomy, this is a truly distinguished collector-grade specimen worthy of a premier fossil collection.
About Trilobites
Trilobites were a very diverse group of extinct marine arthropods. They first appeared in the fossil record in the Early Cambrian (521 million years ago) and went extinct during the Permian mass extinction (250 million years ago). They were one of the most successful of the early animals on our planet: over 25,000 species have been described, filling nearly every evolutionary niche. Due in large part to their hard exoskeletons (shells), they left an excellent fossil record.
Trilobites were a very diverse group of extinct marine arthropods. They first appeared in the fossil record in the Early Cambrian (521 million years ago) and went extinct during the Permian mass extinction (250 million years ago). They were one of the most successful of the early animals on our planet: over 25,000 species have been described, filling nearly every evolutionary niche. Due in large part to their hard exoskeletons (shells), they left an excellent fossil record.
$395
SPECIES
Crotalocephalina gibbus
LOCATION
Atchana, Morocco
FORMATION
Lhandar Formation
SIZE
3" long (if outstretched)
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#381465
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