Description:

South America, Brazil, early Cretaceous period, ca. 125 million years old. A fascinating fish that has fossilized and developed lovely quartz crystals over the ages. The species is difficult to discern, but may be in the genus Rhacolepis - prehistoric and now extinct species of ray finned fish, with a streamlined body, pointed mouth, and miniscule fins. The surface displays tightly-packed rows of tiny scales, and the distinctive curved line of the operculum, the covering over the gills. The fish has developed hues of light and dark brown over its scaly areas; however, the underside has developed areas of pretty translucent quartz crystals from the fossilization process! A fantastic specimen that demonstrates the changing composition of bones into crystal over the ages. Size: 6.5" L x 1.125" W (16.5 cm x 2.9 cm)

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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#160504

  • Condition: Chips, abrasions and losses to surfaces and peripheries. Mineral deposits and crystal formations from fossilization process!

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February 11, 2021 10:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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