Fossil brittle stars (Ophiura) – Impressive Ophiura...

This exceptional fossil plate shows several exceptionally well-preserved brittle stars of the genus Ophiura – fascinating marine inhabitants that inhabited the oceans hundreds of millions of years ago. The round central discs are clearly recognizable, as well as the long, finely segmented arms that extend gracefully over the rock matrix. The dark, high-contrast preservation strikingly sets the delicate structures apart from the surrounding sedimentary rock and gives the piece extraordinary depth. Brittle stars belong to the class Ophiuroidea and are close relatives of starfish. Fossils of this quality arise only under special conditions – usually through rapid embedding in fine-grained seafloor sediment, which allows even fine details to be preserved. Localities in the USA are particularly known for well-preserved Ophiura specimens in which several individuals were fossilized together – a clue to a former seafloor scene. An impressive collectible with scientific and aesthetic significance – a real window into Earth's ancient seas. Weight: 6013.91 g Size: 490x260x25 mm Treatment: No Age: 450-550 million years Origin: USA Our shipping costs have been checked and acknowledged by Catawiki. We work with an external shipping company that handles the final inspection, pickup, packaging, and shipping; this is how these shipping costs arise. The buyer bears all potential import and export costs, duties, taxes, shipping costs, etc.. See also our other items and shipping costs; saving on pickup costs.. On some of the pictures the stone has been backlit to show you the color of the stone. For some stones we have placed a light under the stone to better show the color of the pieces. And color variations may occur, as every computer, monitor, and mobile device may display colors with different qualities. #traveltreasures

Estimate:£628.19

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