My husband and I got this yesterday and would like opinions on its authenticity and in general, thoughts on the piece.

[Pentaxx1]

  We got it today from someone who just came back from Morocco.  It's 25" high x 30" wide and has I believe 7-9 specimens.  The 2 large ones are both 13.5 inches each.   I tried to get the clearest photos I could with my phone. I also used a UV light to check for resin and repairs but I'm pretty much a newbie.  1 photo of the back is with a flash.
So, is it authentic?

[IsaacTheFossilMan]

@Top Trilo @Kane

Edited August 7, 2022 by IsaacTheFossilMan

[Top Trilo]

I'm not sure. I didn't notice anything that immediately raised a red flag. I did notice the color and texture changed along this line below but that could be nothing. The closeup photos, I believe, showed real trilobite texture, so that's good. Great job on the photos and providing information, that gives you a much better chance of people more experienced than I being able to tell what's real and what's not. I'll also tag @Fossildude19 and @piranha

[FranzBernhard]

Welcome to TFF from Austria!

 

I think you got some pretty good stuff there!

 

The specimen seems to be mostly real. My biggest concern are some of the spines. Some of them could be painted, but I am not sure. Please check them out closely.

 

These fluorescing cracks are not a big deal, perhaps some stabilization was necessary here and there. But judging from the back side, these could also be mineral-filled cracks.

 

Btw, your pics are very good!

Franz Bernhard

[piranha]

Here is my estimated restoration map. Additionally, this is a dubious association as these trilobites appear to have been composited in order to command a higher price.

 

[Pentaxx1]

Soo... a mixed bag of opinions.

[Kane]

Just now, Pentaxx1 said:

Soo... a mixed bag of opinions.

I would take @piranha's opinion as the right one given his expertise in trilobites. This piece is heavily restored. It is a nice piece for what it is, and if you and your husband are happy with it, that is all that matters.  The reality is that a lot of material coming out of Morocco will be restored or composited because some areas there rely entirely on the fossil trade for their economy.

[Pentaxx1]

*Ok, so how does someone like me tell before buying.   I did the UV thing and nothing glowed. 

*My daughter and I do love it regardless, but for full transparency I'd like to present it accurately when anyone asks.

* Just so I don't feel completely ignorant, what type of value does this have in your opinion? 

 

[Troodon]

Here is a topic that might help.  Question for you was it ever painted?  If not you may not see much.  Takes experience and knowning what real and fakes ones look like.   Its not easy, post interest here before you buy.  I see hundreds of these at the Tucson fossil show and some are good composites.  You will also read in the attached topic not all UV lights are the same.

 

 

 

[Fossildude19]

10 hours ago, Pentaxx1 said:

* Just so I don't feel completely ignorant, what type of value does this have in your opinion?

 

We do not provide any kind of valuations. It is against our rules. It is more than can be done by photographs on the internet, and requires in hand examination.

We focus on the fossils, rather than the monetary aspects here.

 

As far how to tell about fakes, stay away from Moroccan and Chinese fossils. Post them here before you buy, and ask for our opinions.

Research the fossil you are about to buy. If you are going to buy a trilobite, find out the name, look them up online, and see what they should look like.

Know the anatomy, - how many pleural segments, how many pygidial spines, how many eye facets. This is the best way to be sure you are buying real fossils.