Elrathia kingi Trilobite Fossil in Matrix from Wheeler Shale Utah USA Middle Cambrian House Range COA

Description

Authentic Elrathia kingi Trilobite in Matrix – Wheeler Shale, Middle Cambrian

This listing features a genuine Elrathia kingi trilobite fossil, naturally preserved within its original shale matrix, from the highly celebrated Wheeler Shale Formation of the House Range, Antelope Springs, Millard County, Utah, USA. These fossils are admired for their elegant symmetry, scientific importance, and excellent preservation. Each specimen is carefully selected, and the photographs show a representative example of the type and quality of fossil you will receive. As with all our items, the trilobite is 100% authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context – The World-Famous Wheeler Shale

The Wheeler Shale, deposited around 507 million years ago during the Middle Cambrian, is one of the most renowned fossil-bearing formations on Earth. It formed in a quiet, deeper-water marine basin where soft, fine-grained sediments gradually accumulated. The low-oxygen conditions that prevailed across the seafloor created an ideal setting for fossil preservation: organic decay was slowed, scavengers were absent, and delicate structures remained undisturbed.

The result is a remarkable fossil archive containing trilobites, arthropods, soft-bodied organisms, algae, and trace fossils, many preserved with exceptional detail. The Wheeler Shale has played a central role in understanding Cambrian marine ecosystems and remains one of the most scientifically important formations in North America.

Species Profile – Elrathia kingi (Order Ptychopariida)

Elrathia kingi is one of the most iconic trilobite species ever discovered. Known for its consistent morphology and refined features, it is frequently used in educational and research settings. Its excellent preservation allows for clear visibility of key trilobite anatomical structures.

Characteristic features often seen in Elrathia kingi include:

• Rounded cephalon with a smooth, gently domed glabella
• Fourteen distinct thoracic segments, evenly spaced and forming a graceful arch
• Tapered pygidium, mirroring the cephalon in proportion and symmetry
• Low-profile exoskeleton, offering clean, crisp fossil outlines
• Streamlined, balanced shape, making it instantly recognisable

These fossils represent members of one of the major trilobite groups of the Cambrian seas, and their presence in large numbers at Antelope Springs has provided invaluable information about trilobite communities and early marine life.

Scientific Importance of Antelope Springs

The House Range at Antelope Springs has been a legendary site for trilobite discoveries for over a century. Fossils from this locality split cleanly from their shale matrix, revealing sharply defined anatomical features. Because of the abundance and preservation quality, the site has been essential for studies of Cambrian biozones, seabed ecology, and arthropod evolution.

Specimens originating from this region hold high scientific value and are widely represented in museum collections and academic research. Each fossil offers a direct connection to a marine ecosystem that thrived more than half a billion years ago.

Your Genuine Fossil Specimen

• Species: Elrathia kingi
• Formation: Wheeler Shale
• Age: Middle Cambrian (c. 507 million years old)
• Locality: House Range, Antelope Springs, Millard County, Utah, USA
• Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
• Condition: Naturally preserved trilobite in original matrix
• Sizing: Full dimensions shown in listing photographs
• Representative Photos: You will receive a fossil of comparable quality

This Elrathia kingi trilobite in matrix is ideal for collectors, natural history enthusiasts, educators, and anyone seeking an authentic piece of Cambrian geological history. Its elegant form, scientific significance, and beautiful preservation make it a timeless addition to any fossil collection.