Jump to content

Is this a real trilobite fossil


MarielleK

Recommended Posts

I am quite new to collecting fossils, and with that knowledge I know I'm a main target of getting ripped off with a fake fossil. So I have decided to do my homework before I purchise any fossils. Anyway, there is a listing for a scotalamine trilobite fossil for sale. I am trying to figure out if it is genuine or not before purchasing.

post-20600-0-78904600-1454366597_thumb.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Can you provide any additional pictures? Can you see any air bubbles or air pockets on the piece?

~Charlie~

"There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why.....i dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" ~RFK
->Get your Mosasaur print
->How to spot a fake Trilobite
->How to identify a CONCRETION from a DINOSAUR EGG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To my eye, it is at least paint-enhanced; the rough condition of the body is not consistent with the fineness and condition of the spines. This is only a real negative if it is priced as a complete, pristine specimen.

An outright fake, IMO, would not be made so rough.

"There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant

“Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley

>Paleontology is an evolving science.

>May your wonders never cease!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here I have outlined in red what I believe to be real on the trilobite.

post-2806-0-87691700-1454370909_thumb.jp

Unless it is extremely cheap, and you don't mind the "restoration" I would take a pass on this one.

Regards,

    Tim    -  VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER

   MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png      PaleoPartner.png.30c01982e09b0cc0b7d9d6a7a21f56c6.png.a600039856933851eeea617ca3f2d15f.png     Postmaster1.jpg.900efa599049929531fa81981f028e24.jpg    VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png  VFOTM  --- APRIL - 2015  

__________________________________________________
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~   ><))))( *>  About Me      

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is the only picture he had listed. Do you think 40$ is a good price? It's pretty affordable for me...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the thorax is not a fabrication (and I don't think it is), $40 is a very affordable price for a representative specimen, IMO.

"There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant

“Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley

>Paleontology is an evolving science.

>May your wonders never cease!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Although I've never purchased a fossil, consider what other things you would purchase for $40 based on one blurry image. (Probably not many. ;) )

The human mind has the ability to believe anything is true.  -  JJ

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You can find a way better looking trilobite for $40 (It may not be the same species though).

~Charlie~

"There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why.....i dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" ~RFK
->Get your Mosasaur print
->How to spot a fake Trilobite
->How to identify a CONCRETION from a DINOSAUR EGG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was able to find this fossil for a similar price. Do you think it's a better buy?

Since you are looking at trilobites of diverse types, I assume you just wish to own a nice example of any of the myriad trilobites. To my biases the second piece you posted is much preferable.

However trilobites are generically a "common" fossil. So you need not feel rushed to acquire one - another will always come along. This is in sharp contrasts to some fossils which are so uncommon, that if desired, must be grabbed at any opportunity.

Many Forum members find and prep trilobites. A post in this Forum's "wanted" (Member to Member Sales) section may bring several offers. That is the course of action I would take, if I just wanted a nice example of a fossil trilobite. If you wish the fun of finding your own via shale splitting without the travel; check out U-Dig Fossils. They will ship you 40 lbs of trilobite bearing shale to be split in the comfort of your garage or backyard. Good luck, have fun.

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, also are remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. - Douglas Adams, Last Chance to See

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm with the others on this. I would definitely advice you against buying that 'trilobite'. Fossildude19 has a sharp eye and makes a good analysis of the specimen. The spines are obviously fabricated, but I even have doubts about the level of authenticity of the central part of the trilobite. In any case, it is impossible to tell from the pictures, which makes it a no-brainer.

Paleo database, information and community

LogoS.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your second choice seems a bit pricey for a fairly common pair of trilobites.

They look like Elrathia kingii trilobites, and good examples of these can be had for much less.

In fact, you can even order your own shale to split from the U-dig quarry, which is famous for these trilobites.

As stated, if you wait around a bit, you may find a better, and more real, bargain.

Regards,

    Tim    -  VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER

   MOTM.png.61350469b02f439fd4d5d77c2c69da85.png      PaleoPartner.png.30c01982e09b0cc0b7d9d6a7a21f56c6.png.a600039856933851eeea617ca3f2d15f.png     Postmaster1.jpg.900efa599049929531fa81981f028e24.jpg    VFOTM.png.f1b09c78bf88298b009b0da14ef44cf0.png  VFOTM  --- APRIL - 2015  

__________________________________________________
"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."

John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~   ><))))( *>  About Me      

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I see you're new to the world of fossil collecting and that's fantastic! Every member who has posted is absolutely correct. I noticed both fossils were trilobites. These are some of the most common fossils and one of the most counterfeited. You should be able to find a fairly good specimen for your price range, but those two above I'd stay away from.

Tim(Fossildude19), mentioned you can purchase shale and find them yourself. However, seeing that you live in Pa, you could invest the $40 in a nice rock hammer, a few chisels and go find your own.

There's nothing like splitting a piece of shale or dolostone and being the first person to see the fossil. Though I guess the same could be said about jumping from an airplane...lol. If this isn't what you're really looking for, then maybe you might have better luck here with a post in the for sale threads.

Best regards,

Paul

...I'm back.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just checked out the U-dig quarry, and it seems that the price of the shale is a good bit more expensive then the price of just buying a trilobite.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just checked out the U-dig quarry, and it seems that the price of the shale is a good bit more expensive then the price of just buying a trilobite.

Absolutely, it would cost $90 for 40 lbs of shale. Of course there would be many trilobites in that shale. As previously pointed out, Elrathia kingii would be the critter most often found in that quarry. If you are just wanting a nice piece that displays well, enter an eBay search for "elrathia trilobite." This will bring up dozens at a price much lower than the $40 you mentioned. You can pick the one or grouping you find most aesthetic. There is little worry about faking or enhancement (like your initially posted specimen), as these are common and inexpensive - no one would go to the trouble of faking them. They are, however, fossils of marvelous ancient creatures and as such are well worth collecting. Have fun.

Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, also are remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. - Douglas Adams, Last Chance to See

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also, for my own knowledge, and just to be sure...what species of trilobite is the orriginal picture?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also, for my own knowledge, and just to be sure...what species of trilobite is the orriginal picture?

It is imitating a Selenopeltis trilobite, but authentic examples can get very pricey.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Many Forum members find and prep trilobites. A post in this Forum's "wanted" (Member to Member Sales) section may bring several offers. That is the course of action I would take, if I just wanted a nice example of a fossil trilobite. If you wish the fun of finding your own via shale splitting without the travel; check out U-Dig Fossils. They will ship you 40 lbs of trilobite bearing shale to be split in the comfort of your garage or backyard. Good luck, have fun.

Have you bought shale from U-Dig Fossils before? I'm interested in that now.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

So the area of the fossil that has been assumed as authentic, is that selenopeltis or another species?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So the area of the fossil that has been assumed as authentic, is that selenopeltis or another species?

It may be in too rough a condition to be sure.

"There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant

“Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley

>Paleontology is an evolving science.

>May your wonders never cease!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So the area of the fossil that has been assumed as authentic, is that selenopeltis or another species?

Even if some small fraction was authentic, that specimen doesn't warrant any further consideration. Most Selenopeltis have some degree of restoration to the thoracic spines. Typically Selenopeltis are prepped quickly with damaging results. Unfortunately, the one you posted appears to be 90% imagination and 10% fossil. Attached is an example from my collection with less than 1% restoration as it was pro-prepped with stereo microscope and micro sandblasting. As others have mentioned, there are many excellent opportunities to acquire 100% authentic trilobites. Post the photos here and we will be happy to assist with the purchase.

post-4301-0-46679100-1454530779_thumb.jpg

image.png.a84de26dad44fb03836a743755df237c.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...