Mined from: Morocco 

Era: Paleozoic 
Geological Age: Approximately 541 to 359 Million Years Ago

Description: A brachiopod is a type of marine invertebrate animal that belongs to the phylum Brachiopoda. Brachiopods are often referred to as "lamp shells" because their shell somewhat resembles an old-fashioned oil lamp. These pyritized brachiopod fossils are aesthetically perched on black shale host rocks, giving a pleasing contrast with the shiny pyrite.

A pyritized fossil is a fossil that has been preserved through the process of pyritization, where the original organic material is replaced with the mineral pyrite (FeS₂), also known as "fool's gold." Pyritization typically occurs in low-oxygen environments where the decay of organic matter is slow. Under these conditions, bacteria break down the organic material, producing sulfur compounds. When these sulfur compounds react with iron-rich minerals in the surrounding sediments, pyrite is formed, replacing or coating the organic remains. Over time, this process effectively fossilizes the organism by turning its original materials into pyrite, preserving its form.

*Note: These specimens are priced based on quality of fossil presentation. Lower grades are generally smaller and less well preserved than higher grades, and they will be more likely to be damaged. Higher grade pieces will generally be larger, and have less damage and greater aesthetic appeal. Some A and B grade pieces even have multiple brachiopods on the same piece of shale!

Approximate Size of Brachiopod Fossil: 1.5cm x 1.5cm x 1cm - 2.5cm x 2.5cm x 2cm    Approximate Size of Host Rock: 6cm x 3cm x 3cm - 11cm x 8cm x 5cm
Approximate Weight of 1 piece: 100g - 500g

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.