Description
RARE Mass Death Assemblage – Parabolina spinulosa Trilobite Fossil Multi Slab
Upper Cambrian – Dolgella Series – P. spinulosa Zone – Foel Gron, Meirionnydd, Wales
An extraordinary fossil slab displaying a mass death assemblage of the rare trilobite species Parabolina spinulosa, from the renowned P. spinulosa Zone of the Dolgella Series in the Upper Cambrian of Wales. This specimen was collected from the classic fossil site of Foel Gron in Meirionnydd, a key location for British Cambrian stratigraphy.
This is a scientifically significant multi-fossil plate, capturing an abrupt mortality event preserved in fine-grained marine sediments, representing a detailed ecological moment from nearly 500 million years ago.
Geological & Stratigraphic Details:
- Formation/Series: Dolgella Series (Upper Cambrian)
- Biozone: Parabolina spinulosa Zone (a major zonal marker in Cambrian biostratigraphy)
- Location: Foel Gron, Meirionnydd, North Wales
- Age: Approximately 497–485 million years ago
- Depositional Environment:
- Deep marine shelf or slope
- Fine-grained anoxic mudstones
- Rapid burial due to sediment influx or mass mortality event (possible storm or oxygen-depletion)
Palaeontological Information:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Trilobita
- Order: Ptychopariida
- Superfamily: Olenoidea
- Family: Olenidae
- Genus: Parabolina
- Species: Parabolina spinulosa
- Formally Described By: Angelin, 1854
Morphology & Features:
- Thin, elongate body form
- Highly spiny pygidium (tail section), diagnostic of the species
- Multiple specimens preserved in various orientations, suggesting limited post-mortem transport
- Glabella (central lobe of the head) and thoracic segments clearly defined in most individuals
- Impression and body fossils with varying levels of articulation and detail
Scientific and Collecting Importance:
- P. spinulosa is a key index fossil for Upper Cambrian strata in Europe
- Rarely encountered in such mass mortality assemblages outside of academic collections
- Excellent resource for understanding trilobite palaeoecology and Cambrian biozones
- Museum-quality slab suitable for scientific study or fine private collections
Specimen Information:
- Fossil Type: Multi-trilobite death assemblage slab
- Preservation: Natural, unenhanced; no restoration unless noted
- Size: See scale rule in photo (1cm squares) for dimensions
- Photo Shows Actual Specimen: The fossil you see is the exact piece you will receive
- Provenance: Legally sourced from a scientifically recognised locality
What’s Included:
- This fossil specimen
- Certificate of Authenticity verifying the fossil’s identity and provenance
- Safe and secure packaging for shipping
Ideal For:
- Collectors of Cambrian or trilobite fossils
- Academic and educational use
- Natural history display or palaeontology teaching
- A unique and genuine gift for fossil lovers
Why Buy From Us:
- All fossils are 100% authentic and legally obtained
- Professionally curated and identified
- Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Exceptional customer care and carefully packaged for transit
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