RARE Kainops raymondi Fossil Trilobite – Haragan Formation, Lower Devonian, Black Cat Mountains, Clarita, Coal County, Oklahoma, USA

Description

Exceptional Fossil Trilobite – Kainops raymondi

This listing is for a rare Kainops raymondi fossil trilobite from the world-famous Haragan Formation, dating back to the Lower Devonian period (approximately 419 – 393 million years ago). The specimen was recovered from the Black Cat Mountains, Clarita, Coal County, Oklahoma, USA, a highly regarded site that has produced some of the most scientifically significant trilobites in North America. Unlike common trilobites, Kainops raymondi specimens are prized for their distinctive morphology and well-preserved anatomical detail, making this fossil an outstanding piece for both collectors and researchers.

Geological Setting – Haragan Formation, Devonian Age

The Haragan Formation is part of the Hunton Group and is well known for its richly fossiliferous deposits. Formed in a shallow marine environment, this limestone and shale sequence represents an ancient sea floor teeming with life. Trilobites such as Kainops thrived in these ecosystems, alongside brachiopods, corals, crinoids, and other marine invertebrates. The preservation conditions in the Black Cat Mountains are exceptional, often capturing fine details of the exoskeleton, glabella, thoracic segments, and even eye structures. The fossil beds are Lower Devonian in age, providing a crucial window into early Paleozoic marine ecosystems.

Species Profile – Kainops raymondi

Kainops raymondi belongs to the Order Phacopida, Superfamily Acastoidea, and the Family Phacopidae. Trilobites in this family are characterized by their schizochroal eyes – large, compound lenses that provided exceptional vision in Devonian seas. This visual adaptation was a key evolutionary trait, allowing trilobites to detect predators and prey with remarkable efficiency. Kainops raymondi exhibits a robust, well-defined glabella (central lobe), multiple thoracic segments, and a distinct pygidium (tail piece). The specimen displays the unique features that distinguish the genus Kainops, making it both scientifically valuable and visually striking.

Rarity and Collectability

Fossils from the Black Cat Mountains are highly sought after due to their rarity, quality of preservation, and historical significance. Unlike more commonly found trilobite species, Kainops raymondi is far less frequently encountered on the market. Each specimen is hand-selected for authenticity and scientific interest, ensuring that collectors receive a piece that is both genuine and exceptional. This specimen represents not just a fossil, but a piece of evolutionary history preserved for nearly half a billion years.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete peace of mind. The fossil pictured is the actual specimen you will receive – carefully photographed to highlight its natural detail. A scale rule cube is shown (1 cm squares) to provide accurate sizing. This trilobite fossil has been carefully chosen for its preservation, clarity of features, and natural beauty, making it suitable for collectors, educators, and anyone with a passion for ancient life.

Scientific and Educational Value

Beyond its collectability, this trilobite is a scientifically important specimen that illustrates key aspects of Devonian paleontology, evolutionary adaptation, and marine paleoecology. Trilobites such as Kainops raymondi are vital to understanding biostratigraphy and are often used as index fossils for dating Devonian strata. Their intricate morphology and specialized vision also provide fascinating insights into the evolutionary arms race that shaped early marine ecosystems.

This is a rare and authentic Kainops raymondi fossil trilobite from the Haragan Formation, Lower Devonian of Oklahoma, USA. A beautifully preserved example of an ancient arthropod, this specimen offers both scientific significance and natural beauty – a truly remarkable addition to any fossil collection.