Product Description
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Quite substantial in size, the large DROTOPS trilobite is a fantastic display fossil and one of the giants of the Devonian trilobites. Much more rare than the non-spiny variety, this is an excellent example of a genuine SPINY Drotops known as Drotops armatus.
There are several rare features associated with this specimen but most unusual is the prominent calcite vein running through the host rock and trilobite, in white sparkling stone. This demonstrates two things - the age (long after the fossil formed, it and the surrounding stone formed a fissure which later become filled with pure calcite) and it also demonstrates the authenticity of the trilobite and its original relationship with the host rock that it is on. Many of these are either fake or stuck on another rock, not the one they were found on and prepared on. On VERY FEW occasions have we seen this feature running directly through the trilobites of this formation and not so prominently as this one.
This would be a great display piece for a museum. It shows the geological conditions that continue long after a fossil forms. This is just a prize example in every way!!! This is an especially spiny version with small spines exposed on the top edges of the eyes and with small spines present on the central region of the most posterior area of the pygidium. Spines are randomly present in between the longitudinal rows to the rear, as well. Fine eye lens detail is seen on both eyes but left eye is better.
Beware of substantially lower-priced fakes or genuine trilobites with fake spines. A common trick in the market is to take an ordinary, non-spiny Drotops and attach artificial spines. This rare specimen is a true Spiny Drotops trilobite and features all authentic spines with repair.