Gem Modocia typicalis Trilobite from Red Beds

Description: Arguably, the most colorful and finest preserved Modocias come from the famous “Red Beds” of the Marjum Formation in the House Range. This large sized fully prone specimen is a dark chocolate reddish/brown color. It is perfectly preserved, fully inflated, with intact genal and pleural spines. A classic species from one of the world’s most important Middle Cambrian trilobite localities.

The trilobites discovered in the “Red Beds” are few and far between. When located, they have a thin layer of matrix overlying them. The digger must scan closely for the underlying outline “ghost” of the unexposed trilobite. Careful and professional preparation is required to remove this overlying matrix and reveal the magnificent trilobite that has been awaiting the sun for 500 million years.