A wonderful example of the Asaphus acadoparadoxides briareus trilobite measuring held by the custom brass mount, our classic range of specimens set into brass clasps. The specimen can be easily lifted off for study. An absolutely unique specimen with good preservation, the trilobite plate has formed nicely with care throughout preparation which has been evidently taken. A wonderful and natural specimen in such a condition elevates the trilobite to the top echelons in trilobite collecting from this location and time period. 

The attractive colour is from the fossil bed. Heavy minerals cause the burnt umber colouration a byproduct of the heavy concentrations of iron in the region of the fossil bed and typical of this formation. This transpires as a dusty coating of fine limestone. Giving the fossil a most recognisable signature. The dark brass colour of the mounts complements the fossils.

The process of fossilisation is best achieved in an anoxic environment when sufficiently buried without oxygen bacteria cannot quickly establish on the once-living organisms and so this enables the successful and very rare event of fossilisation. The beautiful palette colours were caused by mineral absorption into the invertebrate's carapaces (exoskeleton) and surrounding matrix (fossil bedrock), this created natural earth colours which are mainly due to iron oxides being present in the sediments. The sublime and natural placement of the extinct ocean-dwelling arthropods is aesthetically pleasing with thoracic furrows and appendages creating dramatic shadowy forgotten worlds.

w/ AUTHENTICITY | we CARE

*Certificates of Authenticity may arrive separately*

Genus: Asaphus Sp.
Age: Palaeozoic era, Mid Cambrian, 540,000,000 - 500,000,000 years ago.
Origin: Jbel Wawrmast, Zagora, Draa Valley, Alnifi, Sidi Abdullah ben el Hadj, Morocco, North Africa.

In stand

H: 38.8 cm / W: 26.5 cm / D: 9 cm

Matrix

H: 32 cm / W: 28 cm

Specimen

H: 16.2 cm / W: 14 cm