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

Location: Cenomanian Formation, Hjoula, Lebanon

Weight: 4 Ounces

Dimensions: 3.3 Inches Long, 2.5 Inches Wide, 0.4 Inches Thick (Plate)

Shrimp Dimensions: 1.6 Inches Long, 1 Inch Wide

Comes with a Certificate of  Authenticity.

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

100 million years old Cretaceous Age.

This stunning specimen showcases a fossil shrimp (Carpopenaeus) beautifully preserved within its limestone matrix. Dating back to the Cretaceous period, approximately 100 million years ago, it represents one of nature’s finest examples of ancient marine preservation. These remarkable fossil beds were first noted by the Greek historian Herodotus, who famously described them as “fish in the stones.” Unlike many other finds from the region that undergo restoration or color enhancement, this specimen remains entirely authentic and untouched, displaying its true natural detail.

The Cretaceous limestone formations of Lebanon are celebrated for their exceptional fossil diversity, often compared to the world-renowned Solnhofen deposits of Germany. One of their most distinctive features is that the fossils often share the same coloration as the surrounding limestone, blending seamlessly into the matrix. The deposits of Sahel Alma, Hajoula, and Haqel date to the Cenomanian Stage of the Middle Cretaceous, around 100 million years ago. While these sites are best known for their exquisitely preserved fish, they also produce a rich array of invertebrate fossils, including shrimp, lobsters, and other marine life, capturing a vivid snapshot of prehistoric ocean ecosystems.