Description
Rare Carboniferous Plant Fossil – Sigillariostrobus Cone
Offered here is a genuine and highly collectible Sigillariostrobus plant fossil, preserved from the famous Westphalian Coal Measures of the Carboniferous Period. This is an outstanding example of a rare fossil cone from one of the most iconic coal swamp ecosystems in Earth’s history. The specimen comes from Houghton Colliery, Houghton-le-Spring, County Durham, England, a classic British fossil locality known for exceptional Carboniferous plant preservation.
This is the exact fossil shown in the photographs, a carefully selected piece chosen for its quality, rarity, and scientific interest. Full sizing details can be seen in the images provided.
Geological Age and Formation
This fossil originates from the Westphalian Stage of the Carboniferous Period, approximately 310–315 million years old. During this time, vast tropical lowland forests covered what is now the United Kingdom, forming the immense coal deposits we mine today.
The Coal Measures are sedimentary rocks laid down in swampy delta environments, where plant remains accumulated rapidly in oxygen-poor conditions. These conditions allowed delicate structures, such as cones and reproductive organs, to be fossilised in remarkable detail.
Fossil Type and Botanical Significance
Sigillariostrobus represents the fossil reproductive cone of the giant lycopsid trees, closely associated with the genus Sigillaria. These towering scale trees dominated Carboniferous coal forests and could reach heights of over 30 metres.
Unlike modern conifers, these plants belonged to an ancient group of spore-producing vascular plants, related distantly to today’s clubmosses. Sigillariostrobus cones are especially prized because they preserve evidence of plant reproduction, making them far rarer than common Carboniferous leaf impressions.
Morphology and Preservation
This specimen shows the distinctive cone structure typical of Sigillariostrobus, with visible surface patterning and compact fossilisation from the surrounding shale or coal-bearing matrix. Such fossils provide a rare window into the biology of Carboniferous rainforest plants and their complex ecosystems.
Plant cones from this formation are highly sought after by collectors due to their scarcity and scientific relevance.
Locality – Houghton Colliery, County Durham
Houghton Colliery is one of the notable historic coal mining sites in County Durham, famous among palaeobotanists for producing important Carboniferous plant fossils. Specimens from this locality are increasingly difficult to obtain, adding further rarity and desirability to this piece.
Authenticity and Collectability
This fossil is a 100% genuine natural specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity with a lifetime guarantee, supplied as a generic authenticity card.
Ideal for:
- Serious fossil and mineral collectors
- Carboniferous plant fossil enthusiasts
- Educational displays and teaching collections
- Unique geological gifts
A rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of Britain’s ancient coal forest history, preserved for over 300 million years.
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