Description
An absolutely uncommon concretionary fossil which captured BOTH the body, as well as the partially molted exoskeleton of an easily discernible small shrimp, 'Belotelson magister', whose body form was captured for all time when buried in a flooding event over 300 million years ago. It appears that this little critter died & was buried while undergoing the molting process! The actual shrimp body is primarily a dark brown color which blends in somewhat with the dark ironstone matrix, while the molted exoskeleton appears white. Fine detailed features of the shrimp are easily visible. During this time period in Earth's history, the Carboniferous, lush forests existed over most of the planet's land masses, which were centered on the equator. You get both halves of this micro-detailed specimen, which together form the initial siderite concretion discovery. From the world-famous Mazon Creek fossil beds, Essex, Illinois. This fossil has been the beneficiary of a slight repair which involved adhesive to reattach a small edge piece, created by a fracture when opening up the fossil nodule. This repair is virtually invisible, & no glue can be seen or felt. Comes with old label pictured. Measures 2.25 x 1.75 x .65 inches, as an intact concretion. Shrimp Fossil W/Molted Exoskeleton - Mazon Creek Illinois Complete "Belotelson Magister' Shrimp Fossil in Siderite Concretion | Both Halves
