Mined from: Assa Zag, Western Sahara, Morocco

Era: Paleozoic
Geological Age: Approximately 320 mya

Description: This striking fossil specimen hails from the windswept desert near Assa Zag, in Western Sahara, Morocco. Preserved in ancient limestone, the fossilized coral displays the characteristic radial patterning of Actinocyathus sp.—a now-extinct genus of rugose coral. These corals, sometimes called “horn corals” due to their tapered shape, were solitary marine animals that thrived during the late Paleozoic Era.

At approximately 320 million years old, this coral dates to the Carboniferous Period, a time when much of the world’s current desert regions were submerged under warm, shallow seas. The fossil preserves skeletal structures composed of calcite that have withstood eons of geological pressure. While the exact locality's stratigraphy is still under study, the fossil's formation offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric reef systems that predate the dinosaurs by over 75 million years.

These specimens are collected from the surface deposits of Morocco’s southern fossil beds—regions that are known for yielding well-preserved Paleozoic marine life. A true conversation piece for paleontology enthusiasts or collectors seeking authentic ancient lifeforms.

Approximate Size of 1 piece: 10cm x 7cm x 5cm
Approximate Weight of 1 piece: 225g

Quantity: 1pc

We do our best to buy quality products- although not every rock is the same. If you choose to purchase the "staff pick option", we will select the best of the batch for you. Otherwise, it will be at random from the larger batch we have in stock.