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Here are some photo's I've made with the microscope of Japanese star sand found in Hoshizuna beach, Okinawa, Japan (Holocene age)
The most common species in the sample are Baculogypsina sphaerulata & Calcarina spengleri.

 

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5cddc7dad1c8b_155800844850760986(24).jpg.e726cfb9ef801dae0329bc2c9da02040.jpg

5cddc7dbd347d_155800844850760986(25).jpg.c1265f8c532b8d5f2aff2d0515f0477f.jpg

 

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Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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Looks like you've been having fun! :D I fully understand the fascination of the micro-world; I'm addicted myself.

 

I use an older Bausch & Lomb Stereozoom microscope with a Celestron digital camera that fits into an eyepiece (LINK to camera). That works reasonably well, though I think I'll be looking for some more lenses!

 

I like your thin sections. You might want to play with polarizing filters to see the results with them. :D A pair of 3D movie glasses makes a decent pair of plane-polarized filters (unless they're the red/blue variety, those aren't helpful for this). Cut the glasses apart, put one filter between the slide and your microscope eyepiece, put the other underneath the slide, and see what you can see. Rotate one slide and see how the colors change. You might get some impressively colorful results!

 

If you want more things to look at, I'd recommend going out to wherever you collect small macrofossils, collect a bag of mud where the rocks have weathered, wash the fine particulates out and sieve the result. There are likely to be some surprises waiting to be found.

 

Above all, keep having fun!

 

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11 hours ago, Mediospirifer said:

Looks like you've been having fun! :D I fully understand the fascination of the micro-world; I'm addicted myself.

 

I use an older Bausch & Lomb Stereozoom microscope with a Celestron digital camera that fits into an eyepiece (LINK to camera). That works reasonably well, though I think I'll be looking for some more lenses!

 

I like your thin sections. You might want to play with polarizing filters to see the results with them. :D A pair of 3D movie glasses makes a decent pair of plane-polarized filters (unless they're the red/blue variety, those aren't helpful for this). Cut the glasses apart, put one filter between the slide and your microscope eyepiece, put the other underneath the slide, and see what you can see. Rotate one slide and see how the colors change. You might get some impressively colorful results!

 

If you want more things to look at, I'd recommend going out to wherever you collect small macrofossils, collect a bag of mud where the rocks have weathered, wash the fine particulates out and sieve the result. There are likely to be some surprises waiting to be found.

 

Above all, keep having fun!

 

Woa, thank you for the amazing tips! :D 
I was indeed planning on getting myself a professional microscope this summer, although due to unforeseen circumstance I'll probably have to push back the aqcuisition of one to early 2020. But really thank you for those tips, especially about that camera, looks real handy, I suppose it should fit on most microscopes that use a standard sized eyepiece? 

Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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On 3/27/2019 at 7:43 PM, ziggycardon said:

 

155371460356795418.jpeg.64a5ef4310509f43c2e224430ec5e7e3.jpeg

 

 

5c9bd03a2ba35_155371460356795418(2).jpeg.749b5f3bd46656821b9e3bc5cab0e4cb.jpeg

 

Nice Lower Gault Clay forams! The top image shows Lenticulina rotulata, the lower image is Epistomina spinulifera – an aragonitic foraminifera! 

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6 hours ago, Kosmoceras said:

Nice Lower Gault Clay forams! The top image shows Lenticulina rotulata, the lower image is Epistomina spinulifera – an aragonitic foraminifera! 

Thank you for the ID's :) 

Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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16 hours ago, ziggycardon said:

Woa, thank you for the amazing tips! :D 
I was indeed planning on getting myself a professional microscope this summer, although due to unforeseen circumstance I'll probably have to push back the aqcuisition of one to early 2020. But really thank you for those tips, especially about that camera, looks real handy, I suppose it should fit on most microscopes that use a standard sized eyepiece? 

 

I would think so. The webpage says "Works with any traditional microscope with 23 mm to 30 mm diameter eyepiece tubes". I think that covers most scopes. 

 

This is the camera I used for my amber photography. Check out my Buggy Amber thread for some examples of what can be done with it, lots of images, and image stacking software. (LINK)

 

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6 hours ago, Mediospirifer said:

 

I would think so. The webpage says "Works with any traditional microscope with 23 mm to 30 mm diameter eyepiece tubes". I think that covers most scopes. 

 

This is the camera I used for my amber photography. Check out my Buggy Amber thread for some examples of what can be done with it, lots of images, and image stacking software. (LINK)

 

Those are really amazing photographs. 
I'll definiatly get myself on of those camera's when I aqcuire a microscope, really appreciate the tip! :) 

Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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Some more pictures of the Bexhill material: Hastings Bone beds, Weald Clay, Wealdon of Bexhill, Wealden Supergroup, Bexhill, Sussex, UK (135 million years old)

 

Another Hybodontid tooth I've found

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5cdfed5d8d028_155800844850760986(9).thumb.jpg.a753447ab882eb9bbeb4d8cd5117e3b3.jpg

 

Some Lepidotes teeth

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Some fish scales, could be Lepidotes too

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And some fish mouth parts

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Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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Part 2:

 

A Bernissartia tooth

5cdfee8838409_155800844850760986(7).thumb.jpg.ad7efccccec7874e9d58a2cb70c690db.jpg

5cdfee8f1e2c3_155800844850760986(16).thumb.jpg.6ccfbc720ccd1751e2610b1d5f3190fe.jpg

 

A mysterious bone or even tooth fragment

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And some more bone fragments

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5cdfee8e2a0c6_155800844850760986(15).thumb.jpg.3d475ed0bdf8abcb661e58f7f54d366f.jpg

 

 

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Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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8 hours ago, ziggycardon said:

Those are really amazing photographs. 
I'll definiatly get myself on of those camera's when I aqcuire a microscope, really appreciate the tip! :) 

 

Heh. My images are OK, but I'm strictly an amateur with a low-budget setup. If you want to see amber photos that are really amazing, check out these! LINK. Now, there's what can be done with a professional setup, lots of skill, and lots of time! 

 

Your collection looks like a nice bunch. Love those scales!

 

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Oops, wrong link (although that one has good images, too!). 

 

Here's the one I was thinking of: LINK. Enjoy!

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On 5/18/2019 at 5:39 AM, ziggycardon said:

Check out my Buggy Amber thread for some examples of what can be done with it, lots of images, and image stacking software.

 

@ziggycardon   I have been wondering about the image stacking with microscope pics.  I have not tried it with a microscope, but I will now.  I know exactly what you are talking about though, I have done it with a telescope and a DSLR for astrophotography.

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  • 3 months later...

I recently went on my first fossil hunt to a limestone quarry in Eben-Emael (Belgium) which is part of the Formation of Maastricht & Formation of Gulpen (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian age). 

I found some nice stuff during that hunt and beside fossils, I also took home a few kilo's of limestone matrix with no visible fossils with the intention to search for microfossils in them.

After dissolving a few smaller limestone fragments and a small bag of loose sediment from the quarry, I present the first microfossils that I found.

This is only a small fraction of the first microfossils froml that batch, the rest is still drying, but these were some of the most obvious finds that stood out in the bunch.

156727639914614298.jpg.c7a1379b9769ad926d366806c40d70de.jpg

 

Some Bryozoans

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5d6ac1150a47a_156727639914614298(9).jpg.96dc3cf98070c7ae47f54cc31d38fb97.jpg

Osculipora truncata or Truncatulipora filix?

5d6ac10f20089_156727639914614298(3).jpg.ebc9c90a76891a5bc355a30b2000e7bb.jpg

 

Bryozoan?

5d6ac11033298_156727639914614298(4).thumb.jpg.52a76157a80b0af8bb19c7fa1a3d9855.jpg

 

A piece of oyster shell

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Not really sure what this is

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A Pyrgopolon sexcarinatus, one of the most common finds on site

5d6ac1179ff0a_156727639914614298(12).jpg.6f4e15439501a8e6abbd385e8ea2da21.jpg

 

Lunulites goldfussi

5d6ac110f008e_156727639914614298(5).jpg.5760df65ea3a260ec8863532c0b336ce.jpg5d6ac111d0fa0_156727639914614298(6).jpg.91ce9835f4753658450d5e686be8d050.jpg

 

Lunulites sp?

5d6ac119a6fdf_156727639914614298(14).thumb.jpg.1d8f9640dab87ef93ef336eb8fdef0f4.jpg5d6ac1187244f_156727639914614298(13).jpg.ff9e56712ed2f7641a24f64e33b8e4da.jpg

 
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Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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Been disolving some more matrix from Eben-Emael today and the first batch has been properly dried so I added them to a vial. 
So this is what I got after my first time ever dissolving matrix for microfossils and I am quite content with the result!

After a first search I found mostly urchin fragments, Bryozoans, Pyrgopolon sp., some crab fragments and, clam/oysters shell fragments.

156745528299511833.thumb.jpg.6a0885df5f0439429402343c2ecf29f6.jpg 

 

For the rest I have also been searching through my Chappel Limestone microfossil matrix (Mississipian, Blanco County, Texas) 
And found for the first time some conodont remains! 

 

Siphonodella sp.

5d6d79d41c3e5_156745528299511833(3).thumb.jpg.4dc7a2846379ad9033771cd78aefe81f.jpg

 

Spathognathodus sp?

5d6d79d343ece_156745528299511833(1).jpg.97ca2ffcc767ec0966e5a81d8456dabe.jpg

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Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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Nice!!!

 

Keep looking, and keep on enjoying the fine structure of micros. Your microfossil collection is off to a good start. :D

 

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14 hours ago, Mediospirifer said:

Nice!!!

 

Keep looking, and keep on enjoying the fine structure of micros. Your microfossil collection is off to a good start. :D

 

Thank you! I am very happy with the material that I have on hand. It's very varied in both type of finds, age & size, microfossils are just perfect distraction when you have some spare time. :) 

Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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  • 1 year later...

Yesterday I finally took the time to look through some Harding Sandstone microfossil matrix which I have had for a few months now. 

The Harding Sandstone, Canyon City, Colorado, USA dates back to the Ordovician, Sandbian (455 mya) and it is most famous for hosting the oldest known shark-like denticles, as well the oldest formation known to have an environment rich in vertebrate fossils.

 

A nice conodont tooth, the largest I encountered, probably Ptiloconus gracilis

159984405445924670.jpg.f8fff5a4539e21cdb4acc470e8dcfd8b.jpg

 

Another, smaller conodont tooth in the middle right (something when wrong when I cropped and scaled the image).

Could be Subcordylodus rectilineatus or a fragmented Chirognathus

5f5bb1ea0d1b8_159984405445924670(3).thumb.jpg.6687b0b62debf4db94f43ae1bff12f42.jpg

 

Some armoured fish boney plates.

5f5bb1e836560_159984405445924670(1).thumb.jpg.6b090cabaf7836065e28627021ed467c.jpg

 

Some more armoured fish boney plates, including a piece of Astraspis desideratus.

5f5bb1e934aec_159984405445924670(2).thumb.jpg.98bcdc5c7911a4706d807915ad743907.jpg

 

And the 2 best findings:

1) A shark-like skin denticle

2) A conodont tooth, Chirognathus

5f5bb1eaea11a_159984405445924670(4).thumb.jpg.57e0b870559472cba8192631819c86bd.jpg

5f5bb2ebb8ed0_159984405445924670(6)_LI.jpg.cfc38b700e87ab98e063062e47cd6622.jpg

 

 

While I was at it, I also went through some Bexhill bonebed material. 

Hastings Bone beds, Weald Clay, Wealdon of Bexhill, Wealden Supergroup, Bexhill, Sussex, UK (Cretaceous, 135 million years old)
And I found this nice little piece, which I believe might be a tooth of sorts, or at least it resembles one. 
Not really sure what is is.

5f5bb1eda50eb_159984405445924670(6).thumb.jpg.2feb248a3c62126d8412d9da66be3699.jpg

5f5bb1eec1ad2_159984405445924670(7).thumb.jpg.8925909fc6711882994bc4e4d6a0f63c.jpg5f5bb1efbe53e_159984405445924670(8).thumb.jpg.5dc403ba862d0ec882421921bc98b73e.jpg

  • I found this Informative 2

Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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Nice finds! That Harding sandstone matrix is some really cool stuff; it represents an important stage in vertebrate evolution.

  • I found this Informative 1

"Argumentation cannot suffice for the discovery of new work, since the subtlety of Nature is greater many times than the subtlety of argument." - Carl Sagan

"I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there." - Richard Feynman

 

Collections: Hell Creek Microsite | Hell Creek/Lance | Dinosaurs | Sharks | SquamatesPost Oak Creek | North Sulphur RiverLee Creek | Aguja | Permian | Devonian | Triassic | Harding Sandstone

Instagram: @thephysicist_tff

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56 minutes ago, ThePhysicist said:

Nice finds! That Harding sandstone matrix is some really cool stuff; it represents an important stage in vertebrate evolution.

Thank you! And yes indeed, that's why I wanted a little sample of it in the first place. It's just amazing that you can find the oldest shark-like denticles in there, and that after 455 mya they are still roaming the oceans. :) 

I have had the sample since march and I am kinda ashamed to admit that it took me so long before I took the time to start going through it. Cause it is really cool material, my favorite microfossil material thus far. 

  • I found this Informative 1

Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Last week I recieved some new rich samples of microfossil matrix, something to keep buzy with in the coming weeks.

 

A bag with coarse and very rich material with Fissure Fill material found in the Dolese Quarry in Richards Spur, Oklahoma, USA (Permian, Sakmarian, 295 - 290 mya).

The material mainly contains Captorhinus material but other reptiles, pelycosaurs and amphibians can be present.

5f74da2bdd805_160069880031401348(4).jpg.d8f1752f9aa48a6c1209e0aae9138a73.jpg

 

A bag with material found in the Bull Canyon Formation, San Miguel County, New Mexico, USA (Triassic, Norian, 227 - 208 mya)

The material (although very fragmented) can contain material from archosaurs, reptiles, fish, labyrintodonts and with luck early dinosaurs. 

5f74da301cd45_160069880031401348(6).jpg.c55dba9a6533724a071a6ea95eb7a6ee.jpg

 

And a bag with fine grained fissure fill material found in the Brooksville 2 site, Hernando County, Florida, USA (Oligocene, Arikarean, 28 mya)

The materials can contain echinoid fragments, ostracods, foraminifera and bone & teeth fragments from rodents, bats, lizards, snakes & frogs.

5f74da2ea363b_160069880031401348(5).jpg.a6834a2d5284907eac0aba6f2a3e2d2f.jpg

 

I have been going through all these materials the past days and found some cool things in each of them. 
I shall be posting my finds in the comings days, but today I shall start with some of the Brooksville material as it is the least rich material in the bunch. 

 

This small jar contains all the worthwile thing I found during my first sweep of the material.

I found some rodent incisors, rodent or Megalagus molars, bat bones, frog bones, one or two Heloderma denticles, a gastropod, echinoid fragments & seeds5f74da381bd5e_160149184956233957(7).jpg.8b74f243a9d6948c939bbbd4a2715645.jpg

 

A piece of rodent Incisor

5f74da315eb72_160149184956233957(1).jpg.999b744042d87e3bdc3e8eb7afa13d08.jpg

 

The image is quite blurry, but this is a tiny molar belonging to one of the many rodents or lagomorphs that can be found in this material.
I'll probably go through all the molars I found to try and determinated them.

5f74da3256a18_160149184956233957(2).thumb.jpg.585fb621d75703d0f05d7c2b097be512.jpg

 

Another rodent/lagomorph molar

5f74da3333e4d_160149184956233957(4).jpg.f777fd7fe3b3cfac40679b770543982e.jpg

 

A molar which compares best with Agnotocastor sp. according to the ID cards that accompanied the material.

5f74da3404cd5_160149184956233957(5).jpg.93a173dabdc2d1673de7a610c20fbc6d.jpg

 

Sea Urchin Spine

5f74da34c72d1_160149184956233957(6).jpg.814cdd059b993c066255b4d8e7fb6d92.jpg

 

The picture is very blurry (I'll try again tomorrow for better pictures), but this is a frog humerus.

5f74defdd7d51_160149184956233957(8).jpg.64e1a24f29df351eddaf3253c5e58c2d.jpg

 

And while I am unsure as to what this is, I guess it could be one of the echinoid fragments that can be found in the matrix.

160149184956233957.jpg.4fc1739c793c7900cedadc8183e2744b.jpg

  • I found this Informative 1

Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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Here are some more of the Brooksville finds

 

Better pictures of the frog bones

5f74fb98a5fc5_160150121247425654(9).thumb.jpg.946da46a54024fba105ecfa8ce68cf3d.jpg

 

Sea Urchin Spines

5f74fb944bc13_160150121247425654(3).jpg.dd408acb5b823a6c209bd61e985c6a5b.jpg

 

A small seed

160150121247425654.jpg.73ca7bf36f108d8d5f3253155773d25e.jpg

 

A gastropod

5f74fb937c81a_160150121247425654(2).thumb.jpg.539f4e9944e810d83de31d7013dcd6f5.jpg

 

A Heloderma dermal armor plate (according to the ID cards)

5f74fb95285fd_160150121247425654(4).thumb.jpg.ea54a24e7ea853abe30bd0f6697dcae2.jpg

 

Rodent Molars

5f74fb928b060_160150121247425654(1).thumb.jpg.34e9808d54add5f86f774250fa021ff0.jpg

5f74fb96da298_160150121247425654(6).thumb.jpg.2dcf05229175ada3c14f613d7780d666.jpg

 

A unknown fingerbone?

5f74fb97aaf74_160150121247425654(7).jpg.fe11a559342d73158b7bcb6554fc8c87.jpg

  • I found this Informative 2

Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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18 minutes ago, Al Dente said:

The ones I’ve circled are urchin spines.

 

 

908D6CC5-6D7C-4B9C-9378-AD0104F336A4.jpeg

Thank you for the correction! :) 

Interested in all things paleontology, geology, zoology, evolution, natural history and science!
Professional exotic pet keeper, huge fantasy geek, explorer of the microfossil realm, member of the BVP (Belgian Association for Paleontology), Volunteer prepper at Oertijdmuseum Boxtel.  

View my collection topic here:

The Growing Collection of Ziggycardon
My animal collection at the "Members pet" topic

Ziggycardon's exploration of the microfossil realm

Trips to Eben Emael (Maastrichtian of Belgium)

My latest fossil hunt

 

Next project will be a dedicated prepping space.

 

"A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge." - Tyrion Lannister

 

5d68d9f3c550a_153657011360380104(21).jpg.bda3d3b7ae7b8321dd0620a0c61cc459.jpg5d68da1b497f5_153657011360380104(20).jpg.8610ffc65ccaa5d057e7b52b65989cd0.jpg5d68da353dd03_153657011360380104(24).jpg.ae73afaefa6ab34e7af5f6131aed96ff.jpgsolnhofen.jpg.76dd03ba7eb39946850662021b7d8dd4.jpg166802558255587143.jpg.c38d91e9e45f17addf29c40166b797a2.jpg5d68da49ad887_153657011360380104(25).jpg.dfff987039b3c99f41e44da51f71ae91.jpg

 

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