Fossil Trilobite Real or Fake?

[Rikache]

Hi everyone!

 

I was recently gifted this trilobite fossil, but after taking a look at it, it seems as though it may not be authentic. Although I don’t see obvious evidence of resin casting, i.e. air bubbles, the specimen does lack lots of clear detail in the head and in the eyes.

 

I’m hoping it’s just a bad prep job, but realistically I’m leaning towards it being a fake as I’ve seen many Moroccan fabrications similar to this one.

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated and thank you all so much for your help!

[Fossildude19]

Close up photos of any eye lenses would help with ID.

Also, can you see any noticeable cracks in the piece? 

The real Moroccan trilobites are usually found by splitting the rock in half, gluing it back together, then prepping out the fossil.

So a crack through the whole piece would lean towards it being real.

 

[Rikache]

9 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

Close up photos of any eye lenses would help with ID.

Also, can you see any noticeable cracks in the piece? 

Of course! There is a “crack” running down the specimen (circled in white), but if I’m honest it kind of looks like a seam line to me since it’s slightly elevated.

[Fossildude19]

That crack indicates to me that this is real.

Also, the fact that the right side is crushed in, points to this being a real.

[Rikache]

14 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

That crack indicates to me that this is real.

Also, the fact that the right side is crushed in, points to this being a real.

That’s great news! The crushed side is definitely what stumped me the most since most of the fakes I usually see are sitting perfectly flat on their underside. Thank you so much for your input!