Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

FREE UK DELIVERY - Save up to 60%

SALE 10%
Diacalymene Trilobite Nodule Fossil with Positive and Negative Halves Ktaoua Group Upper Ordovician Anti-Atlas Morocco with COA
Diacalymene Trilobite Nodule Fossil with Positive and Negative Halves Ktaoua Group Upper Ordovician Anti-Atlas Morocco with COA - Image 2

Diacalymene Trilobite Nodule Fossil with Positive and Negative Halves Ktaoua Group Upper Ordovician Anti-Atlas Morocco with COA

Original price was: £36.00.Current price is: £32.40.

100% Genuine Diacalymene Trilobite Nodule Fossil

This listing is for a Diacalymene trilobite nodule fossil from the Ktaoua Group, Upper Ordovician, Anti-Atlas Region, Morocco. This specimen includes both the positive and negative halves of the fossil-bearing nodule, capturing the complete impression and counter-impression of the trilobite. The exact fossil pictured is the one you will receive, with a 1cm cube shown for accurate scale. All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for guaranteed provenance.

Geological Background – Ktaoua Group, Upper Ordovician

The trilobite comes from the Ktaoua Group of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in Morocco, a region renowned for its exceptionally preserved Paleozoic fossils. The Ktaoua Group is dated to the Upper Ordovician period, approximately 445–460 million years ago. During this time, the area formed part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana and was covered by warm, shallow epicontinental seas.

These marine environments provided ideal conditions for trilobite communities, along with brachiopods, cephalopods, and graptolites. The fine sediments deposited in these seas preserved fossils in remarkable detail, with many trilobites found in complete articulation. Nodules containing trilobites, such as this specimen, split naturally to reveal both halves of the fossil.

Fossil Type and Species – Diacalymene

The genus Diacalymene belongs to the order Phacopida, family Calymenidae, and is a well-known trilobite from the Ordovician period. These trilobites are characterised by their smooth, semi-oval cephalon (head), segmented thorax, and crescent-shaped pygidium (tail). Diacalymene species were benthic organisms that lived on the sea floor, likely as scavengers or detritivores, feeding on organic matter within the sediment.

Diacalymene trilobites are frequently found enrolled – a defensive posture where the trilobite rolled into a ball to protect its soft underside. This feature highlights their biological behaviour and adaptation to predatory threats in the Paleozoic seas.

Morphology and Distinguishing Features

This fossil nodule clearly shows the positive cast (raised relief of the trilobite) and the negative impression (recessed counterpart), allowing both sides of the fossil to be studied in detail. The cephalon is semi-circular with distinct glabellar lobes, while the thorax consists of multiple articulated segments. The pygidium is rounded, completing the typical Calymenid body plan.

The preservation captures fine morphological features, including the segmentation and overall curvature of the exoskeleton. Both halves together provide a rare opportunity to view the fossil as it was originally embedded within the sediment millions of years ago.

Scientific and Collector Significance

Diacalymene trilobites are significant for biostratigraphic correlation of the Ordovician, serving as important index fossils for the period. Their presence within the Ktaoua Group contributes to our understanding of marine ecosystems during the late Ordovician and helps paleontologists reconstruct evolutionary history.

For collectors, a complete nodule with positive and negative halves is highly desirable, as it preserves both the form and impression of the trilobite. Such specimens provide not only visual appeal but also scientific value, making them prized additions to both amateur and professional fossil collections.

Why This Specimen is Unique

  • Genuine Diacalymene Trilobite Nodule Fossil
  • From the Ktaoua Group, Upper Ordovician, Anti-Atlas Region, Morocco
  • Includes both positive and negative halves of the fossil-bearing nodule
  • Approximately 445–460 million years old
  • Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Exact specimen shown in the photo will be sent
  • 1cm cube included for accurate size reference

This Diacalymene trilobite nodule fossil represents a rare and scientifically significant specimen from the Upper Ordovician seas of Morocco. With both halves preserved, it offers an exceptional opportunity to own a complete fossil record of one of the most iconic Paleozoic arthropods.

 

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: UF5895 Category:

Description

100% Genuine Diacalymene Trilobite Nodule Fossil

This listing is for a Diacalymene trilobite nodule fossil from the Ktaoua Group, Upper Ordovician, Anti-Atlas Region, Morocco. This specimen includes both the positive and negative halves of the fossil-bearing nodule, capturing the complete impression and counter-impression of the trilobite. The exact fossil pictured is the one you will receive, with a 1cm cube shown for accurate scale. All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for guaranteed provenance.

Geological Background – Ktaoua Group, Upper Ordovician

The trilobite comes from the Ktaoua Group of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in Morocco, a region renowned for its exceptionally preserved Paleozoic fossils. The Ktaoua Group is dated to the Upper Ordovician period, approximately 445–460 million years ago. During this time, the area formed part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana and was covered by warm, shallow epicontinental seas.

These marine environments provided ideal conditions for trilobite communities, along with brachiopods, cephalopods, and graptolites. The fine sediments deposited in these seas preserved fossils in remarkable detail, with many trilobites found in complete articulation. Nodules containing trilobites, such as this specimen, split naturally to reveal both halves of the fossil.

Fossil Type and Species – Diacalymene

The genus Diacalymene belongs to the order Phacopida, family Calymenidae, and is a well-known trilobite from the Ordovician period. These trilobites are characterised by their smooth, semi-oval cephalon (head), segmented thorax, and crescent-shaped pygidium (tail). Diacalymene species were benthic organisms that lived on the sea floor, likely as scavengers or detritivores, feeding on organic matter within the sediment.

Diacalymene trilobites are frequently found enrolled – a defensive posture where the trilobite rolled into a ball to protect its soft underside. This feature highlights their biological behaviour and adaptation to predatory threats in the Paleozoic seas.

Morphology and Distinguishing Features

This fossil nodule clearly shows the positive cast (raised relief of the trilobite) and the negative impression (recessed counterpart), allowing both sides of the fossil to be studied in detail. The cephalon is semi-circular with distinct glabellar lobes, while the thorax consists of multiple articulated segments. The pygidium is rounded, completing the typical Calymenid body plan.

The preservation captures fine morphological features, including the segmentation and overall curvature of the exoskeleton. Both halves together provide a rare opportunity to view the fossil as it was originally embedded within the sediment millions of years ago.

Scientific and Collector Significance

Diacalymene trilobites are significant for biostratigraphic correlation of the Ordovician, serving as important index fossils for the period. Their presence within the Ktaoua Group contributes to our understanding of marine ecosystems during the late Ordovician and helps paleontologists reconstruct evolutionary history.

For collectors, a complete nodule with positive and negative halves is highly desirable, as it preserves both the form and impression of the trilobite. Such specimens provide not only visual appeal but also scientific value, making them prized additions to both amateur and professional fossil collections.

Why This Specimen is Unique

  • Genuine Diacalymene Trilobite Nodule Fossil
  • From the Ktaoua Group, Upper Ordovician, Anti-Atlas Region, Morocco
  • Includes both positive and negative halves of the fossil-bearing nodule
  • Approximately 445–460 million years old
  • Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Exact specimen shown in the photo will be sent
  • 1cm cube included for accurate size reference

This Diacalymene trilobite nodule fossil represents a rare and scientifically significant specimen from the Upper Ordovician seas of Morocco. With both halves preserved, it offers an exceptional opportunity to own a complete fossil record of one of the most iconic Paleozoic arthropods.

 

Additional information

Era

Ordovician
Origin

Morocco

Ordovician Information

The Ordovician Period (485–443 million years ago) was a time of marine expansion and biodiversity growth, following the Cambrian Explosion. Warm, shallow seas covered much of the continents, supporting trilobites, brachiopods, corals, and the first true reefs. Jawless fish (early vertebrates) diversified, and the first sea scorpions (eurypterids) became dominant predators. On land, the first primitive plants (moss-like bryophytes) began colonizing damp environments. The climate was initially warm, but by the late Ordovician, a major ice age caused a drastic drop in sea levels, triggering the Ordovician-Silurian mass extinction, which wiped out nearly 85% of marine species. Despite this, the period laid the foundation for the rise of more complex ecosystems in the Silurian.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

Related products