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LARGE FINEST GRADE SPINY LEONASPIS TRILOBITE WITH ALL SPINES EXPOSED AND FREESTANDING Atlas Mountains, Morocco DEVONIAN PERIOD: 395 - 345 million years ago The LEONASPIS trilobite is a member of the Lichida order of trilobites. It is a beautiful and graceful spiny trilobite from the Devonian limestone of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Any collection should not be lacking an example of this magnificent species. There's no mistaking this wonderful prehistoric marine creature with its long, sweeping spines and tiny protrusions off the free cheeks. If you are the type of collector who takes pride in displaying the finest and most unusual examples fossils, then this is a highly recommended version of the LEONASPIS trilobite, without question! This is an unusual Leonaspis trilobite specimen for several reasons. First, it is extremely broad, more so than all others we have handled. Second, it has been given an extra special treatment of the finest lab preparation skill by having ALL the spines of this spectacular example freely exposed from the limestone matrix. The Leonaspis sits up high off the rock and floats over the surface with a surreal array of every one of its ORIGINAL and authentic spines completely cleaned of rock. This beautiful example features THE finest detail and preservation of ANY Leonaspis we have ever offered. ALL SPINES ARE GENUINE! This natural example is a fine grade specimen and was carefully micro-blasted with state-of-the-art equipment to bring out the best in the creature. The Leonaspis appears to be magically "flying" over its original host matrix. WARNING: There are several different grades of spiny trilobites on the market now with seemingly identical and very convincing appearances. Fakers have mastered producing 100% complete replicas of trilobites with free-standing spines. There are also classes of trilobites offered from the source that have varying degrees of fabrication such as a genuine trilobite but with all spines being fabricated. Prices generally will reflect the quality as the source preparators and sellers know the global prices and charge accordingly for the different degrees of authenticity of their specimens. Nevertheless, price should not be your only guide. Often, features such as thicker than normal spines and a dull, almost chalky appearance without any natural satin luster to the creature are some obvious signs of fakes. Know how to tell a genuine from a fake by reading this and rely ONLY on established professional sellers who have active experience in fossil preparation and will offer you an unconditional LIFETIME guarantee IN WRITING of the authenticity of the specimen.
Next to dinosaur fossils, trilobites command a dedicated and passionate following amongst both scientists and fossil collectors, alike. In a relatively short time-frame (scientifically speaking, of course), we have the emergence and subsequent extinction of these fascinating creatures. Still most baffling is the incredible diversity of sizes and features that made up the trilobite group. Many bizarre species co-existed with highly specialized body parts that defy the theories of evolution in their "sudden" emergence and diversity during the Early Cambrian Period in what is known as the 'Cambrian Explosion'. Trilobites were among the world's first arthropods, a phylum of hard-shelled creatures with multiple body segments and jointed legs (although the legs, antennae and other finer structures of trilobites only very rarely are preserved). They constitute an extinct class of arthropods, Trilobita, that is comprised of over 15,000 known species. It has been reported that every year, four to five new species are discovered in the Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountain regions in Morocco, alone! This desolate northern fringe of the Sahara Desert was once covered by a prehistoric ocean and its fossil deposits can be considered the world's richest and most diverse source of these ancient sea creatures. Trilobites are the single most diverse group of extinct organisms that ever existed, period! The smallest known trilobite is just three millimeters long, while the largest type grew to a length of 70 centimeters (over two feet long!). The most common fossil of trilobites is the mineralized dorsal exoskeleton of the creature. This is found in partial form from molting (shedding the shell as it grows) or in complete form when the animal was buried and died intact. The soft parts of the underside are rarely preserved. The name 'TRILOBITE' means 'three lobed" and is derived from the fact these animals had bodies featuring three longitudinal lobes, not lateral (head, body, tail) as is often thought. The lateral division of three parts is shared by many arthropods, not just trilobites. Considerable study has been done on trilobites as a whole organism. Even more fascinating though, is the research done on a microscopic level with regards to trilobite morphology. Radiographs have captured incredible detail of complete and fully articulated antennae and underparts like legs and gills, preserved in the host rock of some fossilized specimens. Perhaps the most impressive and classic feature of trilobites that comes to mind is the eyes. Microscopic studies of trilobite eye structures have also revealed marvelous adaptation and very high degrees of specialization in vision. It seems that the more we learn about trilobites, the unfolding of their mystery is stranger than fiction. Certainly we gain a greater appreciation with each new discovery of these strange and highly advanced but now extinct 'butterflies of the ancient seas'. MOST UNUSUAL AND FINEST WE HAVE EVER OFFERED - FIRST ONE WITH ALL SPINES FREELY EXPOSED FLOATING OFF THE ROCK! 3.25" long by 3" wide with original matrix, animal 1.25"in length $1395 TR35-004 Actual Item - One Only |
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