Lot 81
Morocco, Ktaoua Formation, Ordovician, 488 to 443 million years ago. As if dancing across the ocean floor, this is a SPECTACULAR display of a HIGH level concentration of brittle star (ophiuroids) starfish fossils from the Ordovician Period that died in a single, cataclysmic extinction event. The plate was extracted in pieces and re-assembled into its original association of this group as found. Associated with the starfish are enigmatic (mystery life) fossils of what could be sponges, coral or conularia, shown as the odd shape solid elongated (two) and amoeba-like fossils near the middle of the starfish. These are extremely rare and display some of the other life-forms and environment in which these brittle stars thrived. 100% GENUINE WITH NO FABRICATION. A visually impacting specimen of a mass extinction of co-existing marine life from nearly a half a billion years ago!
This is one of the most commonly faked starfish fossils from Morocco but the fakes will have a painted appearance, look too "perfect" and lack the finely detailed interior anatomy of the brittle stars as seen in this specimen above. The worst ones are painted orange but we have seen "naturally colored" style fakes being sold in a myriad of shops, shows and websites. The close-up images above show rare 3D inflated detail of the underside and top side of these genuine prehistoric brittle star fossils. Some we have seen are artificially assembled of small isolated finds. The coloration of the slab is natural and adds proof of its originality, as well as adding an incredibly aesthetic quality to this piece. Some of the associations of the brittle stars are surreal but all are GENUINE AND NATURAL AS THEY DIED. Size: 27-3/4"W x 23"H (70 cm x 58 cm) overall, starfish 4-1/4" to 1-1/4" across (11 cm x 3 cm). IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to size and weight of this slab, crating will be required. Please inquire about shipping charges before bidding. Size: 27-3/4" x 23" (70 cm x 58 cm) overall, starfish 4-1/4" to 1-1/4" across (11 cm x 3 cm).
Provenance: Ex-Paleo Direct, FL, USA
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#110558
- Condition: Minor repair but no fabrication - natural mass extinction fossil - no compositing of fossils.
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