Name: Eospondylus primigenius (Ophiuroid or brittlestar fossil)
Phylum Echninodermata; Class Ophiuroidea; Order Ophiurida
Geological Time: Lower Devonian Seigenian/Emsian Stage
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): 78 mm across, 55 mm wide as displayed ( longest arm is 80 mm if straightened) on a 168 by 160 mm matrix
Fossil Site: Hunsruck Slate, Bundenbach Germany
Code: RS81
Price: $695.00 - sold
 Description:
Well-preserved and exceptionally large example of an Ophuroid (brittlestars)
known as Eospondylus primigenius . The Hunsruck slate is famous for
its fossils, many of which have pyritization present. Rapid burial
and pyritization was what led to the many wonderful examples of early
Devonian life from the region. The chemistry of the silt was such
that low organic content and high levels of iron and sulfur allowed
the pyrite to diffuse into the tissues rather than be deposited in
the sediment. The pyritization of this one makes for an esthetic display
piece. The mudstones were metamorphosed into slate during the Carboniferous.
The slate was quarried for roofing tiles, and the quarrymen would
save the fossils for later sale. Now that the quarries are no longer
open, future supplies of these wonderfully-preserved benthic organisms
will only come from existing collections. |
