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Product Description
ITEM #
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TRX032
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ID
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Asaphus sp.
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FOUND
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Anti-Atlas Mountains - Morocco
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AGE
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ORDOVICIAN: 485 - 443 million years ago
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SIZE
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17.25" x 11.5" overall, trilobite 15.25" long
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CONDITION
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MINOR REPAIR BUT NO FABRICATION
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NOTE
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THE LARGEST OF THIS TYPE WE HAVE EVER SEEN
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INCLUDES STAND - Actual Item - One Only
Comes with a certificate of authenticity / information sheet |
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CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TRILOBITES
This ULTRA-RARE spiny-tailed Asaphus trilobite with an AUTHENTIC tail spine is truly an extraordinary find. It is the second largest overall specimen we have ever offered and THE LARGEST with respect to the body, that we have ever offered of this variety. This is only the THIRD specimen of this rare unnamed species we have ever offered. The color is a beautiful natural light, warm orange with hints of red and brown. 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 and indication of this rare type of trilobite. 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. The left side of the head was crushed but this is not as much of a detraction considering this is such a MONSTER-SIZED example of these very rare trilobites. Most of these are about 1/3 less in size. Compare this to a couple of the other ones we have for sale to see just how much larger this extraordinary specimen is.
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 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 but one has extensive repair due to crushing on the left side. The individual body segments are superbly preserved and the matrix around the perimeter has been well cleaned with cracks disguised to offer better contrast. All work was performed in our on-site lab. This piece looks much better in person than the photos convey and oddly, is even larger in appearance than seems in the photos. A few fractures in the end running through the tail actually HELP to positively demonstrate the tail spine's authenticity because hey 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 entire host rock is 100% original with no additional parts added and only cracks repaired. 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 SCARCE trilobite that is A MAXIMUM SIZE SPECIMEN.