3.2" Flexicalymene Trilobite Fossil Ordovician Age Tazzarine Region Morocco COA

Location: Tazzarine Region, Morocco

Weight: 4.7 Ounces

Dimensions: 3.2 Inches Long, 2 Inches Wide, 1.2 Inches Thick

Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity

The item pictured is the one you will receive.

Flexicalymene Trilobite

Trilobites are iconic Paleozoic arthropods whose fossils capture the imagination of both scientists and collectors. Dating back to the Early Cambrian, roughly 521 million years ago, these marine animals were among the first to develop a mineralized exoskeleton, ensuring that their distinctive body plans were preserved in fine detail for hundreds of millions of years.

Characterized by a central axial lobe and two lateral pleural lobes, trilobites are easily recognizable in the fossil record. Their bodies are organized into three distinct sections: a cephalon with eyes and sensory organs, a thorax of flexible segments, and a pygidium of fused terminal segments. This structure allowed some species to curl defensively, an ability reflected in many fossil specimens.

Trilobites range from small, simple forms to larger, highly ornamented species with spines and ridges, offering a spectacular variety for display. Their abundance, iconic shape, and rich evolutionary history make them some of the most collectible and scientifically valuable fossils from the Paleozoic Era.

Morphologically, the trilobite body is divided into three major sections:

1.  a cephalon (or head) with eyes, mouthparts, and sensory organs such as antennae.

2.  a middle region called the thorax with many overlapping segments (anywhere from 2 to 61).

3.  a pygidium (or tail section) in which the segments were fused.

Please be aware of the nature of fossils:

Being buried underground for millions of years under immense pressure can be quite harsh. Few fossils emerge completely intact; most require some restoration, and some are modified by humans to improve their appearance. Moroccan workers are highly skilled in excavating and conserving these natural treasures, though natural cracks often appear on the surface. These cracks are part of the fossil's natural charm and are not regarded as flaws.