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

Overview

This striking British Trilobite (Ogyginus) Partial Fossil originates from the Llanvirn Series of the Ordovician Period, collected from the Upper Gilwern Quarry, Wales, UK. It is a genuine, scientifically important specimen presented with a sturdy display stand, allowing it to be showcased elegantly while preserving its natural geological context. The fossil photographed is the exact specimen you will receive. A 1cm scale cube is included for accurate sizing—please refer to the photo for full measurements.

This fossil was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on 02 April 2024, and has been carefully cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison. As with all our fossils, it is a 100% genuine specimen and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity for your peace of mind.

Geological Setting and Formation

The Upper Gilwern Quarry, located in the Welsh Borderlands, is part of the Llanvirn Series, a subdivision of the Ordovician System dating to approximately 465–460 million years ago. During this period, the region lay beneath a warm, shallow epicontinental sea on the margin of the ancient microcontinent Avalonia. These calm marine conditions favoured the accumulation of fine muds and silts, which later lithified into grey shales and mudstones—ideal for preserving delicate marine fossils.

The trilobite-bearing strata here form part of the Arenig–Llanvirn biozones, an interval crucial in British palaeontology for correlating Ordovician marine sequences. These deposits are rich in fossils, especially trilobites, graptolites, and brachiopods, reflecting a thriving marine ecosystem that was part of the global Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE).

Palaeontological and Taxonomic Details

Ogyginus is a well-known genus of trilobite within the order Asaphida, superfamily Asaphoidea, and family Asaphidae. It represents a key index fossil for the Llanvirn Stage and is among the most recognisable Ordovician trilobites of the British Isles. The genus was first described by Murchison in the 19th century and remains a cornerstone in British biostratigraphy.

Members of Ogyginus were benthic detritivores, living on or just beneath the seafloor, feeding on organic material within the sediment. Their morphology—a broad, semi-elliptical cephalon, smooth dorsal surface, and gently curved thorax—suggests an adaptation for life in low-energy marine environments, possibly aiding in stability on soft substrates.

This particular specimen preserves a partial fossil impression, displaying the detailed outline of the cephalic region and part of the thoracic axis. The smooth exoskeletal contour is characteristic of the genus and provides a fascinating glimpse into the anatomy of one of the Ordovician’s most successful arthropods.

Scientific Importance

Trilobites such as Ogyginus are invaluable to palaeontologists because they evolved rapidly and were geographically widespread, making them excellent tools for dating and correlating sedimentary rock formations. The Llanvirn species of Ogyginus are particularly important in defining Ordovician biozones in Britain and Europe. This fossil, sourced from a documented locality and geological horizon, holds genuine scientific and historical value.

The depositional environment of the Upper Gilwern Formation was a quiet marine shelf, where fine-grained sediments gently buried the remains of marine organisms. These low-oxygen conditions limited scavenger activity, allowing for exceptional preservation of fossils such as this trilobite.

Display and Collectible Qualities

Mounted securely on its custom display stand, this Ogyginus trilobite fossil combines aesthetic beauty with scientific heritage. The contrast between the natural grey matrix and the fossil impression highlights its subtle anatomical details, making it both a decorative and educational specimen.

Ideal for collectors, teachers, students, or anyone fascinated by the natural history of ancient Britain, this fossil serves as a tangible connection to a time over 460 million years ago, when life beneath the Welsh seas flourished in extraordinary diversity.

Each specimen is ethically collected and professionally prepared, ensuring long-term stability and presentation quality. Your purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its geological age, locality, and species identification.

This British Trilobite (Ogyginus) Partial Fossil from the Llanvirn Series, Ordovician, Upper Gilwern Quarry, Wales is a remarkable relic of early marine life—a timeless and scientifically valuable addition to any fossil collection.