7" Eocene Fossil Leaf (Allophylus) - Green River Formation

This is a 7" long fossil leaf from the plant Allophylus flexifolia. Allophyllus is a genus of flowering plants in the Sapindaceae (Soapberry) family, members of which still survive today.

It is Eocene in age and comes from the famed 18 Inch Layer of the Green River Formation. It's in great shape with fine detail and a dark coloration which contrasts well against the shale. It appears to have preserved over the top of a fossil fish whose spine can be seen running through the leaf.

This specimen includes a metal/acrylic stand.


About The 18 Inch Layer Of Fossil Lake

Specimens of this quality come from the coveted 18-inch layer of the Green River Formation, a horizon renowned for producing exceptionally dark, detailed, and well-preserved fossil fish. The limestone from this layer is significantly harder and more durable than that found in many other parts of the formation, likely a result of the deep-water conditions under which it was originally deposited.

These conditions helped preserve fish in remarkable completeness, allowing exceptional specimens to be recovered largely intact. Locating them is a specialized process. The layer is often worked at night using low-angle lighting, which reveals the subtle raised contours created by a fossil fish—particularly the backbone—hidden beneath the surface of the limestone.

A view of the 18 inch layer of the Green River Formation at the Lindgren quarry near Kemmerer, Wyoming.
A view of the 18 inch layer of the Green River Formation at the Lindgren quarry near Kemmerer, Wyoming.


Once identified, the surrounding rock is carefully cut away and the specimen is transported to a preparation laboratory. Because the fossil may lie as much as an inch beneath the surface, exposing it requires painstaking work under magnification. Skilled preparators use fine hand tools to gradually remove the overlying limestone, revealing the fossil in extraordinary detail while preserving the delicate bones beneath.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Allophylus flexifolia
LOCATION
Clear Creek Quarry, Kemmerer, Wyoming
FORMATION
Green River Formation, 18 Inch Layer
SIZE
7" long on 10.1 x 8" rock
ITEM
#189310
GUARANTEE
We guarantee the authenticity of all of our specimens.