Rare fossil alien bivalve – polished rastellum oyster fossil from madagascar | genuine cretaceous specimen with certificate

Description

Specimen: Polished Rastellum Oyster Bivalve (commonly known as a “Fossil Alien”)

Geological Age: Cretaceous Period (~145.5 to 66 million years ago)

Location Found: Marovoay, Mahajanga District, Madagascar

Scale Cube = 1cm: See photo for full sizing

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

About This Fossil: Often affectionately nicknamed the “Fossil Alien” due to its otherworldly appearance, this specimen is in fact a beautifully preserved and polished bivalve fossil from the extinct genus Rastellum. Originating from the Cretaceous period and discovered in the Marovoay region of Madagascar, this fossil is an exquisite example of nature’s ancient marine architecture.

Bivalves are molluscs that possess two hinged shells (valves), and include creatures such as clams, scallops, and oysters. The Rastellum oyster is particularly striking due to its elongated, ribbed, and deeply grooved shell, which gives it a uniquely sculptural and highly recognisable shape. Unlike many bivalves, oyster shells are not symmetrical, further adding to their distinctiveness.

Fossils like these were formed when bivalves living in warm, shallow Cretaceous seas were buried under layers of sediment. Over millions of years, mineralisation preserved the intricate detail of the shell, resulting in the remarkable fossil seen here.

This specimen has been expertly polished to reveal its fine surface textures and to enhance its visual appeal, making it not just a piece of scientific history but also a stunning decorative item or conversation starter.

Geological Context: The Cretaceous period was the final era of the dinosaurs and saw dramatic changes in Earth’s climate and ecosystems. Madagascar’s Mahajanga basin is one of the world’s fossil-rich hotspots, offering a window into the tropical marine ecosystems of 100 million years ago.

The fossil-bearing deposits of the Mahajanga district are known for their exceptional preservation, making this location significant in the study of prehistoric marine biodiversity.

ACTUAL AS SEEN:

• You will receive the exact fossil pictured
• Professionally photographed and individually selected
• Measurements are as accurate as possible, but minor variance is expected with irregular-shaped fossils
• Colours may appear slightly different depending on lighting or device display

Please Note:

1. This item’s image will change once the specimen is sold and replaced with another unique item.
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3. We recommend saving or screenshotting the item’s image after purchase for reference.

Add a Piece of Prehistoric Ocean Life to Your Collection Today! Perfect for fossil collectors, educators, or natural history lovers, this Rastellum oyster bivalve is a beautiful and scientifically significant treasure from the Cretaceous seas of Madagascar.

Order now to own a truly unique and fascinating piece of Earth’s ancient marine past!