XL 2.3" Fossil Pine Cone Equicalastrobus Replaced By Agate Eocene Age Seeds Fruit
Location: Talsine, Morocco
Weight: 0.9 Ounces
Dimensions: 2.3 Inches Long, 0.9 Inches Wide
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Equicalastrobus are fossilized conifer seed cones that date back to the Eocene epoch, approximately 33–55 million years ago. These cones, found in Morocco’s Western Sahara near Talsine and west of Boujdour, provide evidence of dense ancient conifer forests that supported complex ecosystems. Fossils often display insect damage, indicating ecological interactions between flora and fauna millions of years ago.
Equicalastrobus cones were preserved through permineralization, where minerals such as silica or agate replaced the original organic tissue. This process resulted in agatized fossils that retain fine structural details, including scales and seed chambers. Although the exact species of conifer remains unidentified, these cones functioned much like modern pine cones, protecting seeds and ensuring the reproduction of conifers in prehistoric forests.
These fossils are valuable to paleobotanists studying ancient vegetation, climate, and forest ecosystems. They are also prized by collectors and educational institutions for their scientific importance and aesthetic appeal. Equicalastrobus petrified pine cones offer a direct connection to the Eocene environment, providing insight into both plant morphology and the ecological networks of ancient Morocco.
