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

Location: Cenomanian Formation, Hjoula, Lebanon

Weight: 3.2 Ounces

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

Shrimp Dimensions: 1.8 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.

Displayed here is a remarkably well-preserved fossil shrimp (Carpopenaeus) embedded in its original limestone matrix. Dating back to the Cretaceous period, approximately 100 million years ago, this specimen offers a rare glimpse into ancient marine life. These fossil deposits were first recorded by the Greek historian Herodotus, who poetically referred to them as “fish in the stones.” Unlike many examples that undergo artificial enhancement or restoration, this shrimp remains in its entirely natural state, allowing its genuine detail and preservation to shine through.

The Cretaceous limestone deposits of Lebanon are renowned for their exceptional richness and diversity, preserving an extraordinary glimpse of ancient marine life. These fossil beds are often compared to those of Solnhofen, Germany, for their remarkable quality and detail. A distinctive feature of Lebanese fossils is their tendency to share the same coloration as the surrounding limestone matrix, creating a natural harmony between fossil and stone. The deposits found in 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 beautifully preserved fish fossils, they also produce a wide array of invertebrates, including shrimp and lobsters, equally stunning in their preservation.