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Receptaculites occidentalis fossil sponge – ordovician, gate city, virginia usa – certified ancient marine fossil specimen

Receptaculites occidentalis fossil sponge – ordovician, gate city, virginia usa – certified ancient marine fossil specimen

£42.00

This listing features a rare and well-preserved specimen of Receptaculites occidentalis, a fossil sponge from the Ordovician Period, discovered in Gate City, Virginia, USA. Dating back roughly 470 to 443 million years, this marine organism belonged to an enigmatic group of organisms once thought to be related to algae, sponges, or even corals. Today, it is generally considered an extinct form of calcareous sponge-like organism, and a classic example of early marine reef-dwelling life.

Receptaculites fossils are highly prized for their geometric, radiating pattern of plates that resemble a sunflower or pinecone, which is why they are often nicknamed “sunflower corals” or “pinecone fossils.” These structures reflect the intricate organisation of their skeleton, likely made from calcite plates arranged in spirals. Despite their uncertain biological classification, Receptaculites occidentalis provides valuable insight into marine biodiversity and early reef-building organisms of the Paleozoic era.

The Ordovician strata of the Appalachian region, particularly in southwestern Virginia, are known for their rich fossil record of trilobites, brachiopods, bryozoans, and sponges. This particular specimen was recovered from sedimentary limestone, indicative of a shallow, warm marine environment teeming with early life.

A highly collectable piece for fossil enthusiasts, geology educators, or anyone fascinated by the earliest reef ecosystems on Earth.

 

Item Details:

  • Genus/Species: Receptaculites occidentalis
  • Type: Fossil Sponge (extinct calcareous marine organism)
  • Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~470–443 million years ago)
  • Location Found: Gate City, Virginia, United States
  • Scale Reference: Scale rule / cube = 1cm (please see photo for accurate size)
  • Certificate of Authenticity: Included

 

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The photo in this listing shows the exact specimen you will receive. Each fossil has been carefully chosen and professionally photographed. Please allow for minor differences in colour or tone due to lighting or device settings. Once this specific item is sold, the listing will be refreshed with a new specimen, image, and updated measurements.

 

100% Genuine Fossil – Professionally Selected – Certificate of Authenticity Included

(Actual as seen)

Out of stock

SKU: UF3105 Category:

Description

This listing features a rare and well-preserved specimen of Receptaculites occidentalis, a fossil sponge from the Ordovician Period, discovered in Gate City, Virginia, USA. Dating back roughly 470 to 443 million years, this marine organism belonged to an enigmatic group of organisms once thought to be related to algae, sponges, or even corals. Today, it is generally considered an extinct form of calcareous sponge-like organism, and a classic example of early marine reef-dwelling life.

Receptaculites fossils are highly prized for their geometric, radiating pattern of plates that resemble a sunflower or pinecone, which is why they are often nicknamed “sunflower corals” or “pinecone fossils.” These structures reflect the intricate organisation of their skeleton, likely made from calcite plates arranged in spirals. Despite their uncertain biological classification, Receptaculites occidentalis provides valuable insight into marine biodiversity and early reef-building organisms of the Paleozoic era.

The Ordovician strata of the Appalachian region, particularly in southwestern Virginia, are known for their rich fossil record of trilobites, brachiopods, bryozoans, and sponges. This particular specimen was recovered from sedimentary limestone, indicative of a shallow, warm marine environment teeming with early life.

A highly collectable piece for fossil enthusiasts, geology educators, or anyone fascinated by the earliest reef ecosystems on Earth.

 

Item Details:

  • Genus/Species: Receptaculites occidentalis
  • Type: Fossil Sponge (extinct calcareous marine organism)
  • Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~470–443 million years ago)
  • Location Found: Gate City, Virginia, United States
  • Scale Reference: Scale rule / cube = 1cm (please see photo for accurate size)
  • Certificate of Authenticity: Included

 

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The photo in this listing shows the exact specimen you will receive. Each fossil has been carefully chosen and professionally photographed. Please allow for minor differences in colour or tone due to lighting or device settings. Once this specific item is sold, the listing will be refreshed with a new specimen, image, and updated measurements.

 

100% Genuine Fossil – Professionally Selected – Certificate of Authenticity Included

Additional information

Era

Ordovician
Origin

USA

Ordovician Information

The Ordovician Period (485–443 million years ago) was a time of marine expansion and biodiversity growth, following the Cambrian Explosion. Warm, shallow seas covered much of the continents, supporting trilobites, brachiopods, corals, and the first true reefs. Jawless fish (early vertebrates) diversified, and the first sea scorpions (eurypterids) became dominant predators. On land, the first primitive plants (moss-like bryophytes) began colonizing damp environments. The climate was initially warm, but by the late Ordovician, a major ice age caused a drastic drop in sea levels, triggering the Ordovician-Silurian mass extinction, which wiped out nearly 85% of marine species. Despite this, the period laid the foundation for the rise of more complex ecosystems in the Silurian.

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