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, discovered at the renowned Upper Gilwern Quarry, Wales, UK. It is an exceptional fossilised remnant of one of Earth’s earliest and most recognisable marine arthropods, beautifully preserved and presented with a display stand for elegant presentation. The photograph shows the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube for accurate size reference—please see the photo for full sizing.

This unique piece was discovered by our team members Alister and Alison on 02 April 2024, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to preserve its fine anatomical details. As with all of our specimens, it is 100% genuine and includes a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its geological provenance and authenticity.

Geological Context

The Upper Gilwern Quarry, located in the Welsh Borderlands, exposes strata belonging to the Llanvirn Series of the Ordovician System, dating to approximately 465–460 million years ago. During the Ordovician Period, the region that is now Wales was part of the microcontinent Avalonia, positioned in the southern hemisphere beneath warm, shallow seas teeming with early marine life.

These fossiliferous beds consist primarily of fine-grained mudstones and siltstones, deposited in a low-energy marine shelf environment where sediment settled slowly to the sea floor. Such calm depositional conditions allowed for the exceptional preservation of trilobite remains and other marine invertebrates. The Llanvirn Series represents one of the most important geological intervals for British palaeontology, yielding an abundance of marine fossils that help define regional and international biozones.

The Ogyginus genus is frequently found within these strata and serves as a key biostratigraphic index fossil, used by geologists to correlate Ordovician rock formations across the British Isles and beyond.

Taxonomy and Morphology

The genus Ogyginus belongs to the order Asaphida, superfamily Asaphoidea, and family Asaphidae. It was first described by the pioneering geologist Roderick Impey Murchison in the 19th century and remains one of the most recognisable trilobites from the British fossil record. These organisms were benthic detritivores, living on the seafloor and feeding on organic material within the sediment.

The partial fossil displayed here reveals key morphological features of Ogyginus, including the smooth, broad cephalon (head shield), characteristic glabella (central lobe), and faint outlines of thoracic segments. The body plan is trilobate—divided into three longitudinal lobes from which the group takes its name. This anatomical structure provided both strength and flexibility, allowing the trilobite to roll into a defensive posture when threatened.

The impression and fossilised relief visible on this specimen exhibit remarkable clarity, capturing the intricate surface texture of the exoskeleton. Such preservation is typical of the Upper Gilwern fossil beds, where fine sedimentation allowed delicate anatomical details to be retained for hundreds of millions of years.

Palaeobiological Significance

Ogyginus trilobites are significant in the study of Ordovician palaeoecology and evolutionary biology. As members of the Asaphidae, they represent an advanced lineage of trilobites adapted to stable, mud-rich marine environments. Their broad, flat bodies and smooth exoskeletons suggest a life spent partially buried in sediment, an effective strategy for avoiding predators and scavenging organic debris.

During the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE), marine ecosystems expanded dramatically in complexity, and trilobites such as Ogyginus flourished across the seas. The Welsh Ordovician deposits record this evolutionary explosion in exquisite detail, preserving fossils that reveal both the diversity and ecological specialisation of these ancient arthropods.

Collectible and Display Qualities

This British Trilobite (Ogyginus) Partial Fossil is not only scientifically important but also visually captivating. The contrast between the grey Ordovician matrix and the fossil’s natural relief enhances its aesthetic appeal. Mounted with a presentation stand, it serves as both a scientific specimen and a striking display piece, suitable for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history.

Each specimen has been ethically sourced, stabilised, and professionally prepared to ensure long-term preservation and clarity. The accompanying Certificate of Authenticity provides full verification of age, locality, and fossil type.

This exceptional fossil from the Llanvirn Series, Ordovician, Upper Gilwern Quarry, Wales offers a genuine glimpse into life over 460 million years ago—a timeless testament to Britain’s rich palaeontological heritage and the enduring beauty of Earth’s ancient seas.