Fort Apache Limestone finds

[DPS Ammonite]

While removing out an unknown 2 inch long sponge from the Permian Fort Apache Member of the Schnebly Hill Formation from northern Gila County in Arizona I found several silicified brachiopods with spines. 

 

Several Bellaclathrus spinosus brachiopods were present ranging from 0.75 to 1.5 inch across and had spines as long as 1 inch. 

 

Thankfully some sort of sudden but gentle event buried the sponge and brachiopods preserving them for me to uncover.

 

Edited April 14, 2021 by DPS Ammonite

[caldigger]

Very cool!  @Tidgy's Dad

[Mark Kmiecik]

Wow, that's impressive. Not very common, I would guess?

[Jeffrey P]

Those spiny brachiopods are truly outstanding. Would be my dream come true. Congratulations.

[ynot]

Those are astounding finds!

Congratulations.

[Monica]

AMAZING finds!!!  Those spines look so delicate, and yet they have survived for so many years!  Congratulations on the wonderful brachiopods!!!

[ClearLake]

The spines on those brachiopods are awesome!  What a nice find.

[Tidgy's Dad]

WOW! 

Etc. 

Those are so beautiful it hurts. 

[TqB]

How did I miss these? They're gorgeous.

[Bobby Rico]

Wow beautiful. 

[doushantuo]

DPS,those are exceptional!    (*FONTSIZE EMPIRE STATE KONG/Colour fluorescent yellow/megaphone.wmv*)

Extra, extra, read all about it!

GNIZAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dalmayshun]

ive hear about spines on brachiapods but have never seen a photo...i'm blown away... Congrats

[Plantguy]

Very cool finds! You probably mentioned this previously somewhere but what are you using to dissolve the matrix....how long does it take? 

 

Regards, Chris 

[Sjfriend]

Great finds! Your acid work is supreme!

[Shamalama]

Beautiful specimens! I've used Paleobond to strengthen some of the etched fossils I get from the Devonian Centerfield mbr. fossil beds. This way the delicate shells are stronger and hold up to handling and being stored.