Rare Mazon Creek Fossil Fern Nodule Pecopteris Leaves Carboniferous Illinois USA with COA

Description

Authentic Mazon Creek Fossil Fern – Pecopteris Leaves

This outstanding Mazon Creek fossil fern showcases the distinctive leaves of the genus Pecopteris, a fern that thrived during the Carboniferous Period, approximately 307–309 million years ago. The fossil originates from the world-renowned Mazon Creek Lagerstätte in Illinois, USA, famous for its exceptional preservation of both plant and animal life. The piece offered here is a carefully chosen specimen, preserved with superb detail, and is exactly the one shown in the photographs. As with all of our specimens, it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context

• Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian Subperiod)
• Age: ~307–309 million years old
• Formation: Francis Creek Shale, Mazon Creek Lagerstätte
• Location: Mazon Creek, Illinois, USA

The Mazon Creek deposits represent one of the world’s most important fossil sites. The rapid burial of plant and animal material in fine sediments and subsequent mineralisation within siderite nodules created a unique preservational environment. These nodules sealed in delicate organic material, ensuring the preservation of extraordinary structural details that are rarely fossilised elsewhere.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Pteridophyta (True Ferns)
• Order: Marattiales
• Genus: Pecopteris

Pecopteris ferns were an integral part of the lush tropical swamp forests of the Carboniferous. They are among the most iconic fossil plants, often found in close association with coal-bearing strata and recognised for their contribution to the immense biomass that eventually formed coal seams.

Morphological Features

This specimen clearly displays the diagnostic features of Pecopteris:

• Frond Structure: Compound fronds with pinnate arrangements of leaflets.
• Fine Details: Visible venation patterns and leaf margin outlines preserved in fine detail.
• Textural Preservation: The leaf impressions demonstrate crisp surface features, reflecting the delicate nature of the original plant tissue.

These attributes make Pecopteris one of the most sought-after fossil ferns from Mazon Creek, as the preservation allows collectors and researchers alike to study ancient plant anatomy.

Paleoenvironment and Significance

During the Carboniferous, Illinois was situated near the equator and covered by expansive swamp forests. These wetlands supported dense vegetation, including lycopsids, calamites, seed ferns, and true ferns such as Pecopteris. High humidity and stagnant waters allowed plant matter to accumulate, creating peat layers that later lithified into coal.

The Mazon Creek Lagerstätte is significant not only for its biodiversity but also for its preservation of entire ecosystems, from towering swamp trees to insects, fish, and soft-bodied animals. Fossils from this site are often referred to as “time capsules” of the Carboniferous, offering a unique glimpse into the flora and fauna of this ancient world.

Key Details

• Specimen: Pecopteris fossil fern leaves
• Type: Authentic Mazon Creek fossil preserved in ironstone matrix
• Age: Carboniferous (~307–309 million years)
• Location: Mazon Creek, Illinois, USA
• Authenticity: Guaranteed genuine, with Certificate of Authenticity included
• Sizing: Shown in photographs with 1cm scale cube

Collectability and Display Value

Mazon Creek fossils are highly prized by collectors, museums, and educators. Their scientific significance, rarity, and aesthetic qualities make them among the most desirable plant fossils available. This specimen is not only a collector’s piece but also a fascinating relic of Earth’s deep past, representing a prehistoric ecosystem that shaped much of our planet’s geological history.

Whether for scientific interest, educational use, or display in a personal collection, this genuine Pecopteris fossil fern is an exceptional and valuable addition.