EXTREMELY RARE SPINY TAIL ASAPHID ORDOVICIAN ASAPHUS TRILOBITE FOSSIL *TRSP01

Product Description

This  ULTRA-RARE spiny-tailed Asaphus trilobite with an AUTHENTIC tail spine is truly an extraordinary find.  It is the SECOND largest specimen we have ever offered in 32 years.  The color is a beautiful mix of shades of red and orange.  As is typical with all these kinds of fossils, the rock was split and broken during the extraction process but there is NO FABRICATION of the trilobite with only repair cracks filled.  Some of the cracks transcended the RARE spiny tail but the tail is all original as seen in the detailed close-up photos.  Caution should be exercised if you ever see this type available for sale as it is popular for the Moroccan fakers to make these with a genuine ordinary Asaphus trilobite of the tail-less variety with an artificially attached tail spine on its end.  

There are features shown above that provide definitive proof of the authenticity of this trilobite and the originality and authenticity of its graceful tail spine.  Cracks in the matrix can be seen running through the tail spine as well as the rest of the trilobite, attesting to its authentic anatomy.  This fossil was repaired from large pieces as can be seen in the photo of the reverse of the rock plate. 

As of this listing, this trilobite is a scientifically undescribed species belonging to the Asaphidae family.  The presence of the tail spine is what makes this trilobite so rare.  Asaphid trilobites do not normally possess such anatomy.  This specimen was found in Ordovician rock from the Anti-Atlas mountains in southern Morocco along the Northern Sahara.  Years ago a small pocket of these highly unusual trilobites were uncovered and we were fortunate to acquire THE ENTIRE small find.  This specimen is THE SECOND LARGEST of that rare discovery.  

The overall preservation of the body is fully mineralized with excellent anatomy.  Both genal spines are authentic and original.  Both eyes are visible and inflated.  Calcite veins run lengthwise through the trilobite, adding further proof of its authenticity.  The individual body segments are superbly preserved.  All work was performed in our on-site lab.  This piece looks much better in person than the photos convey.  Fractures running through the tail actually HELP to positively demonstrate the tail spine's authenticity because they can be seen running through the spine and also where the tail meets the body.  The entire trilobite including the tail spine, protrudes dramatically off the rock offering a fantastic display fossil with aesthetics that will definitely impress as much as this piece is rare. 

The trilobite has NO FABRICATION and only cracks were filled and repaired.  For the most demanding collector of RARE FOSSILS, and a prized addition to the most impressive fossil trilobite collections.   This specimen presents itself with a very rare opportunity to acquire an example of a SUPER RARE trilobite that is A MAXIMUM SIZE SPECIMEN.

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