British Trilobite Ogyginus Partial Fossil Ordovician Llanvirn Wales Genuine Specimen with Stand

Overview

This authentic British Trilobite (Ogyginus) Partial Fossil originates from the Llanvirn Series of the Ordovician Period and was discovered at Upper Gilwern Quarry, Wales, UK. The fossil is presented with a quality display stand, making it ideal for collectors, educators, and fossil enthusiasts alike. The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive, and a 1cm scale cube is included for accurate size reference—please see the photo for full measurements.

This unique piece was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on 02 April 2024, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison. As with all our specimens, it is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and scientific credibility.

Geological Setting

The Upper Gilwern Quarry in Wales exposes rock strata belonging to the Llanvirn Series, a division of the Ordovician System, dating to approximately 465 to 460 million years ago. During this time, the area that would become Wales lay beneath a warm, shallow epicontinental sea, part of the ancient microcontinent Avalonia.

The rocks at this locality consist mainly of grey mudstones and fine siltstones, deposited in a low-energy marine shelf environment. These sediments accumulated slowly, preserving the remains of marine invertebrates in exceptional detail. Fossils such as trilobites, graptolites, brachiopods, and echinoderms are frequently found within these layers, providing a detailed snapshot of Ordovician marine biodiversity.

This specimen is representative of the Arenig–Llanvirn biozones, an interval known for diverse trilobite faunas that are crucial for biostratigraphic correlation throughout Britain and Northern Europe.

Palaeontological Details

Ogyginus belongs to the order Asaphida and family Asaphidae, a group of large, smooth-shelled trilobites that flourished in Ordovician seas. They were benthic detritivores, living on or near the sea floor and feeding on organic matter suspended in sediment.

The Ogyginus trilobites are characterised by their broad, flattened cephalon (head shield), wide glabella, and numerous thoracic segments. These features indicate a morphology adapted for a stable, low-profile lifestyle in soft marine sediments. The partial fossil impression in this specimen shows excellent preservation of the cephalic region and thoracic outline, offering valuable anatomical and aesthetic appeal.

The genus was first described in the 19th century and remains an important taxon in Ordovician palaeontology, frequently used as an index fossil within the British geological record. It represents part of the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE)—a time when marine ecosystems expanded dramatically in complexity and diversity.

Scientific and Historical Importance

Trilobites such as Ogyginus provide vital evidence for understanding early arthropod evolution and marine palaeoecology. Their widespread distribution across Ordovician strata allows geologists to correlate sedimentary sequences between distant regions. The Llanvirn-aged deposits of Wales are particularly well known for yielding some of the finest trilobite fossils in Europe, reflecting the rich palaeontological heritage of the British Isles.

The depositional environment of these sediments was quiet and oxygen-rich, enabling the fine preservation of delicate exoskeletal details even when only partial remains survived fossilisation. This partial specimen captures the subtle curvature and texture of the trilobite’s shell, giving a clear impression of its natural form.

Collectible and Display Qualities

Mounted on a custom stand, this fossil is both scientifically significant and visually striking. The contrast between the natural matrix and the detailed impression enhances its display appeal. Whether for educational use, as part of a curated fossil collection, or as a statement piece of natural history décor, this Ogyginus trilobite fossil represents an enduring link to Britain’s ancient geological past.

Each piece has been ethically collected, stabilised, and prepared using professional methods to ensure long-term preservation. The accompanying Certificate of Authenticity confirms its geological age, discovery site, and identification.

This British Trilobite (Ogyginus) from the Ordovician Llanvirn Series is a remarkable specimen of early marine life, offering both scientific value and natural beauty—an exquisite relic from a 460-million-year-old Welsh sea.