Nevada Cambrian Olenellus gilberti Trilobite

Description: Lower Cambrian Pioche Shale trilobites of this level of preservation have become exceptionally difficult to obtain in the last few years. Olenellus gilberti are perhaps the most recognizable of the trilobite fauna list found in the Uppermost Lower Cambrian of Nevada. Above the extinction zone from which these species were collected the Ollenids are no longer in existence. What a shame, they were amongst the most beautiful of trilobites, true butterflies of the sea.

This is a smaller sized olenellus gilbert. There is a bit of disarticulation between the cephalon and thorax. It retains part of the signature “medallion” calcite wafer so associated with trilobites found at this site. The wafer lends the specimen a high level of contrast and color that is very desirable to the specialist collector of trilobites from the Pioche Shale. If this wafer is removed, it will reveal more distinct detail than that already observable.