MIDAS TOUCH Pyritized Eldredgeops Trilobite

with Preserved Appendages

Eldregeops (Phacops) rana

Trilobites Order Phacopida, Family Phacopidae

Geological Time: Middle Devonian

Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Trilobite is 25 mm (curve measure) by 18 mm across

Fossil Site: Windom Shale, Hamilton Group, Moscow Formation, Erie County, New York

Fossil Code: PYT123

Price: $525.00


Eldredgeops Trilobite with Preserved AppendagesDescription: Here is a remarkable example of preservation: a totally pyritized Eldredgeops rana trilobite. Its rich golden color has led me to coin the term Midas Touch when referring to these specimens. This is a recent find, and one that I do not believe has ever been offered before. Pyrite is typically prone to the oxidative degradation termed “pyrite disease”. Examples of these have been subjected to forcing conditions with no ill effects. Nevertheless as a precaution they have been given a coating of an achival quality material which is employed in the conservation of ancient artifacts. While all found to date are somewhat small, they make up for lack of size in tremendous eye appeal. What is most unusual about this one is the fact that where are portion of the exoskeleton has been burned away you can see several appendages in situ. Before now only the Beecher Bed and the recently discovered analogous layers of Triarthrus eatoni were the only site to show such preservation. This case is most likely displays what is termed a steinkern, a cast of the original appendages that has been infilled by sediment an subsequently pyritized. To my knowledge examples with such preservation have not been offered before. This is the SECOND and LAST I have to offer.

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