Description
Authentic Mazon Creek Fossil Lungfish Coprolite
This listing features a rare Mazon Creek split fossil lungfish coprolite from the Carboniferous Period, discovered in the world-renowned fossil beds of Mazon Creek, Illinois, USA. Dating back approximately 307 million years, this specimen represents the preserved remains of prehistoric lungfish waste, providing an extraordinary window into the diets and ecosystems of ancient freshwater environments. The specimen is preserved in an ironstone concretion that has naturally split, revealing the coprolite in fine detail. The photos show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for sizing reference. As with all of our fossils, it is guaranteed genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Context
- Geological Period: Carboniferous (Pennsylvanian Subperiod)
- Age: Approximately 307 million years old
- Formation: Francis Creek Shale, Carbondale Formation
- Location: Mazon Creek, Illinois, USA
The Mazon Creek fossil beds are globally recognised for their outstanding preservation of both flora and fauna. Encased in siderite nodules, these fossils formed when organic material was rapidly buried in sedimentary environments along ancient deltas, allowing remarkable detail to be preserved. The fossilisation of coprolites provides invaluable insights into the diet and behaviour of ancient species such as lungfish.
Scientific Importance of Lungfish Coprolites
- Producer: Likely from prehistoric lungfish (Dipnoi), a group that still has living representatives today.
- Fossil Type: Coprolite (fossilised dung).
- Significance: Preserves evidence of ancient feeding habits, digestive processes, and the ecosystem in which these creatures lived.
Lungfish were important inhabitants of Carboniferous freshwater ecosystems. Their coprolites can sometimes preserve indigestible material such as fish scales, plant matter, or small invertebrate remains, making them a direct record of predator-prey interactions.
Morphological Features
This specimen shows the typical characteristics of a lungfish coprolite:
- Form: Elongated or spiral-shaped fossilised structure.
- Surface Detail: Fine texture and segmented patterning associated with the digestive tract of lungfish.
- Preservation: Encased in a siderite nodule, ensuring long-term stability and excellent contrast against the matrix.
These features make it distinguishable from other fossil coprolites, supporting identification as lungfish in origin.
Paleoenvironment and Depositional Setting
During the Carboniferous, Illinois lay near the equator and was dominated by lush coal-forming swamps and deltaic environments. The Mazon Creek locality preserves both plant and animal fossils, including insects, fish, amphibians, and seed ferns. The presence of lungfish coprolites within this ecosystem reflects the diversity of aquatic life inhabiting these ancient river channels and floodplains.
The coprolites provide a unique perspective on the ecological roles lungfish played within these environments, helping paleontologists reconstruct the dynamics of Carboniferous ecosystems.
Key Details
- Fossil Type: Split siderite nodule containing lungfish coprolite
- Age: Carboniferous (~307 million years old)
- Locality: Mazon Creek, Illinois, USA
- Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen with Certificate of Authenticity
- Size: See photos with 1 cm scale cube
Collectability and Display
Mazon Creek fossils are highly prized by collectors and museums worldwide due to their exceptional preservation and scientific importance. Coprolites, particularly those attributed to lungfish, are especially desirable because they offer direct evidence of ancient biological processes rather than just skeletal remains.
This specimen is not only a scientifically valuable piece but also a fascinating natural artifact that sparks curiosity and conversation. Whether for a serious fossil collection, a teaching specimen, or a unique display, this rare lungfish coprolite from Mazon Creek is an exceptional addition, representing an irreplaceable piece of Earth’s deep history.
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