Huge Fossilized Brachiopod Shell Matrix (in wood frame)

Ancient seas, Paleozoic period, ca. 300 to 400 million years ago. A massive stone matrix with dozens of fossilized brachiopod shells and impressions! The stone is supported with a lovely rosewood frame. Brachiopods are a type of clam with two shells, or valves, that died out during the Triassic extinction, but have over 400 living relatives in the clam and mollusk family today! Brachiopods lived in large colonies, such as that displayed in this example. This massive matrix clearly shows the individual ridges of many of the shells which are largely intact! An impressive and well-preserved example! Size with frame: 24" L x 3.5" W x 20.5" H (61 cm x 8.9 cm x 52.1 cm); fossil: 23" L x 2.5" W x 17.5" H (58.4 cm x 6.4 cm x 44.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#162712
Condition Report: Chips and losses to wooden frame which does not affect stability. Abrasions and chips to shells and stone matrix. Massive size and well preserved!