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Calceola sandalina fossil coral – rare devonian rugose ‘shoe coral’ – morocco – solitary coral with certificate of authenticity
Calceola sandalina fossil coral – rare devonian rugose ‘shoe coral’ – morocco – solitary coral with certificate of authenticity - Image 2

Calceola sandalina fossil coral – rare devonian rugose ‘shoe coral’ – morocco – solitary coral with certificate of authenticity

£10.80

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity

Specimen: Calcaeola sandalina

Age: Devonian

Location: S’Mara, Morocco

Size (picture scale cube=1cm): 41 x 21 x 21mm (1.61 x 0.83 x 0.83 inches)

Solitary shoe shaped rugose coral. Unusually for a coral, this species had an operculum (lid) that closed over the top of the polyp. The operculum is usually missing. A dead-ringer for the local Moroccan footwear ‘babouche’.

 

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shows the EXACT specimen you will receive. The specimen has been carefully hand selected and photographed. Measurements are as accurate as possible, though be aware measuring precise dimensions can be difficult from irregular shaped items. Whilst we portray colours as close to life-like as we can, colours will vary if taken in sunlight, indoors, from monitor to monitor and device to device. Once this specimen is sold, we will update this listing with new similar selected item, with a new photo and dimensions.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: FP9823 Category:

Description

Now available is a genuine and rare fossil specimen of Calceola sandalina, a uniquely shaped solitary rugose coral from the Devonian Period, sourced from S’Mara, Morocco. This extraordinary coral species is instantly recognisable by its distinctive shoe-like shape, earning it the nickname “babouche coral” for its resemblance to the traditional Moroccan slipper.

Fossil & Geological Information:

  • Specimen: Calceola sandalina
  • Type: Solitary Rugose Coral
  • Age: Devonian Period (~419 – 359 million years ago)
  • Location: S’Mara, Morocco
  • Phylum: Cnidaria
  • Class: Anthozoa
  • Order: Rugosa
  • Scale Cube = 1cm – Please see photo for full sizing
  • Authenticity: 100% Genuine – Certificate of Authenticity included

About Calceola sandalina – The ‘Shoe Coral’:

Calceola sandalina is one of the most recognisable and unusual fossil corals. A solitary rugose coral, it developed a robust, asymmetrical calcareous shell structure, forming a shape remarkably similar to a shoe or slipper—hence the comparison to Moroccan babouches.

Unlike most corals, which are colonial, Calceola lived alone, and more remarkably, had a lid-like operculum that could close over the top of the polyp, a highly unusual feature for a coral. This operculum likely helped the polyp protect itself from sediment and predators. While it’s rare to find a specimen with the operculum intact, the preservation of the main coral body still offers exceptional insight into coral development during the Devonian.

Scientific & Collector Value:

This species provides unique evolutionary and ecological information about ancient reef systems and solitary coral adaptations. The Devonian Period—often called the “Age of Fishes”—was also a time of coral reef expansion, and Calceola sandalina is a celebrated part of that legacy.

This specimen from S’Mara, Morocco comes from sedimentary marine limestone beds formed in ancient shallow seas. Fossils from this site are prized for their preservation and unique variety.

Why Choose This Specimen?

  • Fascinating asymmetric and biomorphic shape
  • Easily recognised and highly collectible
  • Ideal for fossil displays, coral evolution studies, or teaching materials
  • A rare coral fossil that differs significantly from colonial corals or typical horn corals
  • Great conversation starter or gift for fossil enthusiasts

Key Features:

  • Authentic Devonian fossil coral: Calceola sandalina
  • Collected from S’Mara, Morocco, a region rich in marine Devonian fossils
  • Distinctive shoe-like form with visible growth lines and structure
  • Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • The exact specimen shown – hand-selected and photographed for accuracy
  • Scale cube = 1cm included in photo for sizing
  • Colour may vary slightly depending on lighting and device settings
  • Fossils may be propped for photography purposes
  • Listing will be updated with a new hand-selected item when sold

Own a piece of coral history with this fascinating Calceola sandalina—a solitary Devonian rugose coral that offers a beautiful and rare look into ancient marine ecosystems.

Additional information

Era

Devonian
Origin

Morocco

Devonian Information

The Devonian Period (419–359 million years ago), known as the "Age of Fishes," was a time of major evolutionary advances in both marine and terrestrial life. The oceans were dominated by armored placoderm fish, early sharks, and lobe-finned fish like Tiktaalik, which had features that helped vertebrates transition to land. Coral reefs flourished, and ammonites became more diverse. On land, the first forests appeared, with early trees like Archaeopteris, leading to a drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate cooling. The first tetrapods (four-legged vertebrates) began evolving from fish, marking a critical step in the evolution of amphibians. The period ended with the Devonian extinction, likely caused by ocean anoxia and climate shifts, wiping out many marine species and reshaping ecosystems.

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