Ogyginus cordensis Trilobite Fossil Ordovician Wales UK Gilwern Quarry

Overview & Authenticity

This listing features a genuine Ogyginus cordensis trilobite fossil from the Llanvirn Series of the Ordovician, collected from the renowned Upper Gilwern Quarry, Wales, UK. This is a carefully chosen British trilobite specimen, selected for its preservation quality, clear anatomical form, and strong historical geological provenance. The photographs show the actual fossil you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and confidence when purchasing.
Every specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, including a lifetime guarantee of genuineness, provided on a generic authenticity card.

Geological Age & Llanvirn Ordovician Context

This trilobite dates to the Ordovician Period, approximately 470 million years ago, during the Llanvirn Series (Middle Ordovician). This was a time of major diversification of marine life, often referred to as part of the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event.
During this period, Wales lay beneath ancient seas, with marine sediments accumulating in environments that ranged from shallow continental shelves to deeper offshore basins. The rocks exposed at Gilwern Quarry preserve an important record of these early Paleozoic marine ecosystems.

Fossil Type & Scientific Classification

Trilobites are extinct marine arthropods that dominated Paleozoic seas for hundreds of millions of years. Ogyginus cordensis is a distinctive Ordovician species known from classic British localities.

• Phylum: Arthropoda

• Class: Trilobita

• Order: Asaphida

• Family: Asaphidae

• Genus: Ogyginus

• Species: Ogyginus cordensis

This genus is particularly associated with the Ordovician faunas of Wales and remains an iconic fossil for collectors of British trilobites.

Morphology & Notable Features

Ogyginus trilobites are recognised for their streamlined, gently convex form, often preserving a broad cephalon (head shield) and a relatively smooth exoskeleton compared with later spiny Devonian trilobites.
This specimen retains the characteristic trilobite body plan, divided into the cephalon, segmented thorax, and pygidium (tail shield). Fine details such as the outline of the glabella, facial sutures, and overall symmetry can often be appreciated, especially in well-preserved quarry specimens.
The fossil’s preservation within its natural Welsh matrix provides strong contrast and adds to its authenticity and display appeal.

Depositional Environment & Fossilisation

During the Ordovician, trilobites like Ogyginus lived on the seafloor, moving across soft marine sediments in search of food. After death, the exoskeleton could be rapidly buried by fine sediment, protecting it from scavenging and physical disturbance.
Over millions of years, compaction and mineral replacement preserved the trilobite within the rock. Ordovician shales and mudstones from Welsh localities are particularly known for producing well-defined trilobite impressions and partial three-dimensional preservation.

Collecting & Display Value

British Ordovician trilobites from Gilwern Quarry are highly sought after due to their scientific importance, rarity compared to Moroccan material, and strong historical collecting tradition. Ogyginus cordensis is a classic UK trilobite species and represents an exceptional link to ancient marine life nearly half a billion years old.
Full sizing details are provided in the photographs. Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity and lifetime guarantee, this genuine Welsh trilobite is ideal for serious fossil collectors, educational collections, or museum-style display.