An extra large, beautifully prepared Moroccan trilobite. Excellent preservation and condition. Nice detail in the compound eyes.
Name: Hollardops sp. Family: Asteropyginae
Age: Middle Devonian (395 mya), Hamar L'Aghdad Limestone
Location: Djebel Issoumour area , Oufaten, Atlas Mts., Morocco
Trilobite authenticity - Yes, there are fake trilobites on the market, but not that many and is usually confined to low end / "bargain" dealers, eBay, etc. If the price of a rare or exquisite spiny trilobite is inexpensive, there is a reason. It could be fake or a heavily restored trilobite with little collector value. Know your dealer, their reputation, and their willingness to certify their products and fully refund your costs. We certify all of our products.
About the preparation - This group of trilobites were German directed to ensure that there was no restoration or colorization. So, everything is natural. The best Moroccan preparators are very good and have proper tools and techniques. You will see the faint cracks in the matrix that exposed the trilobite. You may see faint cracks in the of the trilobite shell which were also how the trilobite was exposed. You will see natural pathologies or flaws prior to fossilization. And you may see some minor damage that occurred while digging or preparation. Nothing is covered up in this group, but the flaws are so small and minor that is does not take away from overall aesthetics of the trilobite. Many preparators will cover up these flaws with putty and paint. These trilobites are natural and highly attractive without restoration.
XM36 analysis - XM36 shows a faint crack on right side, a couple of small shell dings on body, and a little shell damage to the front margin and below the left eye. Overall, a very nice specimen.
