California Mesonacis fremonti Trilobite Gem

Mesonacis fremonti was a genus of trilobite that has had a long presence in the fossil record. This one was excavated at the world famous California Marble Mountains site, located in the Mojave Desert. It is from an old collection I was recently able to obtain a few trilobites from. Mosonacis like any trilobite from this location is both exceptionally collectable and equally difficult to obtain. Here is a seldom-available opportunity to add this spectacular species to your collection.

The genus is impressive, robust looking, and could grow to an impressive size. This one is centered on a small piece of muted purple shale. The matrix has the typical fine-grained, fractured look of the Latham Shale beds.

It was professional prepared using air abrasion. Trilobites from this formation are rarely found fully intact. Some restoration is generally called for. This one has had both genals restored as well as the large left side macro pleural spine. The cephalon is a bit disarticulated and tilted to the left. Otherwise the presence is excellent, fully inflated with excellent color.