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

Location: Cenomanian Formation, Hjoula, Lebanon

Weight: 4 Ounces

Dimensions: 3.7 Inches Long, 3.3 Inches Wide, 0.3 Inches Thick (Plate)

Shrimp Dimensions: 1.7 Inches Long, 1.1 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 have a beautifully preserved fossil shrimp (Carpopenaeus) embedded within its natural limestone matrix. This remarkable specimen dates back to the Cretaceous period, approximately 100 million years ago. Fascinatingly, these fossil-rich deposits were first noted by the Greek historian Herodotus, who described them as “fish in the stones.” Unlike many examples that have undergone restoration or artificial enhancement, this shrimp remains entirely unaltered, allowing its natural detail and delicate preservation to be fully appreciated.

The limestone deposits from the Cretaceous period in Lebanon are renowned for their exceptional richness and diversity, preserving a fascinating record of ancient marine life. Fossils from these formations are so remarkable that they are often compared to those of Solnhofen, Germany. One of the unique characteristics of these Lebanese fossils is that they frequently share the same color and texture as the limestone matrix, enhancing their natural beauty. The deposits at Sahel Alma, Hajoula, and Haqel date to the Cenomanian Stage of the Middle Cretaceous, approximately 100 million years ago. While these sites are best known for their exquisitely preserved fish fossils, they also yield an impressive variety of invertebrates, including shrimp and lobsters, offering an extraordinary window into ancient marine ecosystems.