North America, Western United States, Montana, Fort Union Formation, Paleocene, ca. 66 to 58 million years ago. A fossilized leaf from a ginkgo tree (Ginkgo cranei) preserved in an orange stone matrix. The leaf blade striations are present and the light coloration contrasts with the surrounding stone. While the ginkgo is the main fossil highlighted, the verso of the stone matrix has remains of other leaf fragments from the formation. The ginkgo tree is a living fossil, tracing its roots back an astounding 270 million years to the Permian era - before dinosaurs! Ginkgo species were once widespread across the globe, but today Ginkgo biloba stands as the sole surviving genus in this order. The resilient Ginkgo biloba survived only in China, but in this modern era it has quickly become global again, cultivated as a urban park essential. The distinctive fan-shaped leaves, prehistoric lineage, and the tree's medicinal uses contribute to its popularity. Size of stone: 7.25" L x 8" W x 0.8" H (18.4 cm x 20.3 cm x 2 cm); fossil leaf blade: 3" L x 2" W (7.6 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: Private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection

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#184220

Professionally prepared. Nice preservation to the fossil and striations on the leaf blade and most of the stem, with some touchups with pigment to some minor gaps.