Ancient Seas, Northwestern Africa, Morocco, Anti-Atlas Mountains, Jbel Wawrmast Formation, Cambrian period, ca. 516 to 505 million years ago. A superb and unusual fossil featuring two overlapping trilobites, including the upper imprint in the limestone matrix layer. This is truly an unusual and amazing Paradoxides trilobite fossil that must be seen in person to fully appreciate! It is a natural double of two trilobites buried in overlapping, opposite directions. These trilobites are massive and both the positive and negative impressions of this rare specimen are present, with the imprint half of the rock layer intact, which is always reassuring testimony to the age and authenticity of this unique fossil! This is a rare trilobite fossil, one that makes for an extremely impressive display piece! Size of matrix: 20.5" L x 16" W (52.1 cm x 40.6 cm); trilobites: 16" L (40.6 cm)

Most multiple trilobite beds sold are composites where several individual specimens are glued together. Here, you have a naturally occurring example; furthermore, the negative impression in the host rock is also included.

Trilobites are a fossil group of extinct marine creatures that form one of the earliest known groups of arthropods. The first appearance of trilobites in the fossil record defines the base of the Atdabanian stage of the Early Cambrian period (521 million years ago), and they flourished throughout the lower Paleozoic era before beginning a drawn-out decline and then mass extinction at the end of the Permian about 252 million years ago. They were among the most successful of all early animals, roaming the oceans for over 270 million years!

Provenance: ex-private French collection, acquired in 2006

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166813

Professionally excavated and prepared. Minor repairs, incurred to matrix when excavated.