RARE Parabolina spinulosa Fossil Trilobite Double – Upper Cambrian – Foel Gron Wales – Genuine with Certificate

Description

RARE Parabolina spinulosa Fossil Trilobite DOUBLE – Upper Cambrian, Wales

This exceptional specimen features a double fossil of the rare trilobite species Parabolina spinulosa, preserved in fine detail from the Upper Cambrian deposits of Foel Gron, Meirionnydd, Wales. The fossil originates from the classic Dolgella Series, specifically the globally significant P. spinulosa Biozone, a key biostratigraphic marker for Upper Cambrian sediments in the UK and beyond.

Key Fossil Information:

• Species: Parabolina spinulosa
• Common Name: Spiny Trilobite
• Fossil Type: Double trilobite fossil – body fossil moulds
• Geological Age: Upper Cambrian (~497–485 million years ago)
• Location Found: Foel Gron, Meirionnydd, North Wales, UK
• Formation / Series: Dolgella Series (part of the Welsh Basin succession)
• Biozone: Parabolina spinulosa Zone
• Depositional Environment: Deep marine anoxic shelf environment; likely low oxygen, fine mud deposition
• Lithology: Dark, laminated mudstones and shales characteristic of an oxygen-poor marine basin

Morphological and Scientific Notes:

Parabolina spinulosa is characterised by:

• A long, narrow glabella
• Streamlined, flattened body form
• Reduced eyes (adaptation to deep-water, low-light habitats)
• Posterior thoracic and pygidial spines
• Well-defined axial lobe and pleural furrows

This double specimen is particularly valuable due to the presence of two individuals preserved in close proximity, possibly indicating synchronous burial or mass moulting behaviour—features of significant interest to palaeontologists studying Cambrian marine ecosystems.

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Trilobita
• Order: Ptychopariida
• Superfamily: Ellipsocephaloidea
• Family: Olenidae
• Genus: Parabolina
• Species: Parabolina spinulosa
• Formally Described By: J.W. Salter, 1866

Scientific Importance:

This species is a biostratigraphic index fossil for the Upper Cambrian, making it a key tool for dating and correlating strata across Europe and North America. Its abundance in the P. spinulosa Zone is critical to understanding faunal turnover and extinction patterns leading into the Ordovician.

The Foel Gron site is particularly valued for producing well-preserved examples of Olenid trilobites from deep marine black shale settings. This double fossil provides a rare glimpse into the ecology and behaviour of these early arthropods.

Specimen Information:

• Condition: Excellent double fossil with clear segmentation and diagnostic features
• Size: Please see scale in photograph (1cm cube)
• Provenance: Collected from the classic Foel Gron locality
• Included: Certificate of Authenticity
• What You Receive: The exact specimen shown in the photographs

Summary:

This is a genuine and scientifically important double fossil of Parabolina spinulosa, one of the most iconic trilobite species of the British Upper Cambrian. Preserved in situ from the Foel Gron site in Wales, this rare specimen offers a valuable addition to any fossil or palaeontology collection.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

You will receive the actual specimen photographed. Full sizing visible via 1cm cube in image.