Nevada Cambrian Trilobite Olenellus gilberti

Olenellus gilberti (Meek 1874)

Trilobite Order Redlichiida, Family Olenellidae

Geologic Time: Lower Cambrian

Size: 25 mm

Fossil Site: C- Shale, Combined Metals Member, Pioche Shale Formation, Lincoln County, Nevada


Nevada Cambrian Trilobite Olenellus gilbertiDescription: A beautifully preserved specimen of this wide spread species that is found in Nevada and California. The genus is restricted to the early Cambrian (540-520 million years ago), making them good index fossils. They have a most distinctive large cephalon containing crescentic eyes, making them quite attractive to collectors. Most are only found as a preserved cephalon, making those from the famous Pioche Shale highly desirable.


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