Description
Authentic Mazon Creek Fossil Fern – Pecopteris Leaves
This specimen is a genuine Mazon Creek split fossil nodule containing beautifully preserved Pecopteris fern leaves from the Carboniferous Period. Dating back over 307 million years, this fossil represents one of the most iconic and well-studied plant genera from the coal-forming swamps of ancient Illinois, USA. The nodule has naturally split open to reveal the fine impression of the fern foliage in remarkable detail. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, and it comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity confirming its genuine nature.
Geological Context
- Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian Subperiod)
- Age: ~307–309 million years ago
- Formation: Francis Creek Shale, within the Carbondale Formation
- Locality: Mazon Creek, Illinois, USA
The Francis Creek Shale is a world-famous Lagerstätte (exceptional fossil deposit) known for its preservation of delicate soft-bodied organisms as well as detailed plant fossils. Rapid burial in siderite concretions preserved the ferns with outstanding clarity, protecting them from compression and decay.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Pteridophyta (True Ferns)
- Order: Marattiales
- Genus: Pecopteris
Pecopteris was one of the most abundant fern genera of the Carboniferous coal swamps. Its characteristic fronds are frequently found in Mazon Creek nodules, but specimens with well-defined venation and symmetry are always highly collectible.
Morphological Features
This fossil clearly displays the features typical of Pecopteris:
- Frond Architecture: Pinnate fronds with evenly spaced leaflets (pinnules).
- Pinnule Shape: Elongated, slightly lanceolate leaflets with rounded tips.
- Venation: Strong central midrib with fine lateral veins branching outward.
- Preservation: The impression captures fine detail, showing the leaf structure in its natural arrangement.
These traits allow paleobotanists to identify Pecopteris with confidence and distinguish it from other Carboniferous plants such as Neuropteris or Mariopteris.
Paleoenvironment and Significance
During the Carboniferous, the Mazon Creek region was a vast equatorial swamp dominated by towering lycopsids, seed ferns, tree ferns, and horsetails. Pecopteris thrived in these humid, coal-forming environments, where its lush fronds contributed to the dense vegetation that later formed rich coal deposits.
The Mazon Creek fossil site is one of the most significant paleontological localities in the world. Its exceptional preservation provides a unique window into the ancient ecosystems of the Carboniferous, offering insights into both plant and animal life. Fossils such as this Pecopteris specimen are invaluable for understanding Earth’s prehistoric environments and the evolution of terrestrial vegetation.
Key Details
- Specimen Type: Split nodule containing Pecopteris fern impression
- Age: Carboniferous (~307 million years old)
- Formation: Francis Creek Shale
- Location: Mazon Creek, Illinois, USA
- Authenticity: 100% genuine with Certificate of Authenticity
- Size: Shown with 1cm scale cube in photographs for accurate sizing
Collectability and Display Value
Mazon Creek Pecopteris fossils are sought after by collectors worldwide for their clarity of preservation, historic significance, and aesthetic appeal. This specimen not only holds scientific importance but also serves as a striking display piece, with its contrasting fossil impression set within the natural split siderite nodule.
Owning this fossil is an opportunity to hold a tangible piece of Earth’s deep past—an authentic remnant of the lush forests that gave rise to modern ecosystems. It is both a scientific treasure and a natural artwork, ideal for any collector of fossils, paleobotany enthusiasts, or educational display.
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