Hyolithid Fossils
Phylum Hyolitha
Geological Time: Lower Cambrian
Size (25.4 mm = 1 inch): Hyolithid fossils are 25 and 20 mm; matrix is 130 mm across at widest point
Fossil Site: Pioche Shale Formation, Nevada
Fossil Code: INV21
Price: $89.00
The
Hyolithids are an extinct group of problematic animals that appeared in
the Cambrian and persisted into the Permian. They had a long, conically-shaped,
closed shell, with a lid (operculum) covering the opening, and a pair of
long, horn-like outgrowths. The animal lived on the sea-bottom, or partly
buried. They are 
sometimes
classified as a Mollusk, though as a distinct separate class. They reached
their peak in the Cambrian and declined thereafter.
This plate has two Hyolithids. They come from the famous, Lower Cambrian, Pioche Shale in Nevada where they are sometimes found in association with Olenellid trilobtes. This is a particularly nice specimen where the Hyolithids are colorfully contrasting to the shale owing to diagenetic processes.
Add a new Class of fossil animal not often offered to your fossil collection.
