Phacops sp. from Morocco

[TeethCollector]

Unknown species of Phacops trilobite from Morocco.

Has beautiful eyes and nose! All small details of the eyes are preserved nicely.

 

Huge crack is crossing from the left pygidium to the right middle of thorax segment, which is very common in Moroccan trilobite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Fossildude19]

Nice trilobite, despite a few dings on the eyes.   

Thanks for showing it to us. 

[fossilhunter21]

Thats a nice looking trilobite.   

 

Thank's for showing us.

[Harry Pristis]

16 hours ago, TeethCollector said:

Huge crack is crossing from the left pygidium to the right middle of thorax segment, which is very common in Moroccan trilobite.

 

I think most of the Moroccan trilobites are cracked in two by the field collectors.  The cross-section of the shell allows a preliminary identification.  Later, the cross-section is used to orient the "bug" for preparation in the workshops in Erfoud.  (I specify Erfoud because I've seen this operation there.)

[FossilDAWG]

Harry is correct.  These trilobites are generally not partially exposed in the field, they are discovered by quarrying rock and looking for sections through the trilobite.  In the lab they are glued back together and prepped, which has the advantage that erosion/wear is absent and the trilobites can be pristine except for the "discovery crack".

 

Don

[Tidgy's Dad]

3 hours ago, Harry Pristis said:

 

I think most of the Moroccan trilobites are cracked in two by the field collectors.  The cross-section of the shell allows a preliminary identification.  Later, the cross-section is used to orient the "bug" for preparation in the workshops in Erfoud.  (I specify Erfoud because I've seen this operation there.)

Indeed, Erfoud is the prep capital of Morocco. Trilobites and other fossils are sent there from all over the south. 

A note to the collector : If a fossil is being sold as from Erfoud it may have only been prepped there and may have been found somewhere completely different. 

[TeethCollector]

2 hours ago, Tidgy's Dad said:

Indeed, Erfoud is the prep capital of Morocco. Trilobites and other fossils are sent there from all over the south. 

A note to the collector : If a fossil is being sold as from Erfoud it may have only been prepped there and may have been found somewhere completely different. 

 

Thank you Tidgy's Dad! I didn't know that...

Actually, I have no idea where this Trilobites came from. Most seller who sells Moroccan Trilobites does not specify which province or formation they came from..