An extra large, incredibly prepared Moroccan trilobite. This trilobite is fully exposed in a very dramatic position. Exceptional preservation and condition. A fantastic display piece with many hours of incredibly tedious preparation work. A Museum Quality specimen. Authenticity guaranteed.
Name: Metacanthina issoumourensis Family: Asteropyginae
Age: Middle Devonian (395 mya), Hamar L'Aghdad Limestone
Location: Djebel Issemour, Alnif , Atlas Mts., Morocco
Trilobite authenticity - Yes, there are fake trilobites on the market, but not that many and is usually confined to low end / "bargain" dealers, eBay, etc. If the price of a rare or exquisite spiny trilobite is inexpensive, there is a reason. It could be fake or a heavily restored trilobite with little collector value. Know your dealer, their reputation, and their willingness to certify their products and fully refund your costs. We certify all of our products.
About the preparation - This group of trilobites were German directed to ensure that there was no restoration or colorization. So, everything is natural. The best Moroccan preparators are very good and have proper tools and techniques. You will see the faint cracks in the matrix that exposed the trilobite. You may see faint cracks in the of the trilobite shell which were also how the trilobite was exposed. You will see natural pathologies or flaws prior to fossilization. And you may see some minor damage that occurred while digging or preparation. Nothing is covered up in this group, but the flaws are so small and minor that is does not take away from overall aesthetics of the trilobite. Many preparators will cover up these flaws with putty and paint. These trilobites are natural and highly attractive without restoration.
XM30 analysis - So, XM30 shows a left upper tail spine that is partially damaged and a second tail spine which has the very tip damaged. XM30 also has a pathology at the top of the left eye appears to be minor compression prior to fossilization. An excllent specimen.
