1.6" Fossil Shrimp Carpopenaeus Cretaceous Age 100 Mil Yrs Old Lebanon COA

Location: Cenomanian Formation, Hjoula, Lebanon

Weight: 3.5 Ounces

Dimensions: 3.4 Inches Long, 2.6 Inches Wide, 0.4 Inches Thick (Plate)

Shrimp Dimensions: 1.6 Inches Long, 0.9 Inches Wide

Comes with a Certificate of  Authenticity.

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

100 million years old Cretaceous Age.

Here we see a beautifully preserved fossil shrimp (Carpopenaeus) embedded within its limestone matrix. This remarkable specimen dates back to the Cretaceous period, approximately 100 million years ago. The fossil deposits from which it originates were first mentioned by the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who described them as “fish in the stones.” Unlike many other examples from the same locality that have been altered or enhanced, this specimen remains entirely natural and unrestored, highlighting the exceptional preservation quality of the site.

The Cretaceous limestone deposits of Lebanon are renowned for their extraordinary richness and diversity, preserving a stunning array of ancient marine life. Fossils from these formations are often compared to those from Solnhofen, Germany, for their exceptional detail and completeness. A distinctive feature of these fossils is that they frequently share the same coloration as the surrounding limestone matrix, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. The deposits at Sahel Alma, Hajoula, and Haqel date to the Cenomanian Stage of the Middle Cretaceous, around 100 million years ago. While these sites are most celebrated for their beautifully preserved fish fossils, they also yield a wide variety of well-preserved invertebrates, including shrimp and lobsters, offering a vivid glimpse into ancient marine ecosystems.