This trilobite is beautifully unique by its white shell, which forms a wonderful contrast to the red matrix. This coloration is a special feature, which is only caused by strong weathering processes. Fortunately, this also softened the rock, making it easier to prepare. However, the shell was also affected, so preparation work had to be done with extreme caution.

After finishing the preparation we have an extremely attractive showpiece, which has the characteristically worn off look of a beach find. Complete trilobites of this species are found only very rarely.

Fossil: Illaenus dalmani (?)

Locality: Coast near Graal-Müritz (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany)

Formation: Middle Ordovician, roter Orthocerenkalk

Width of the cephalon: 2,2cm (0.86 inches)

Work required: 5 hours

Collection: Sebastian Mantei

The trilobite and its preparation were published in the Steinkern magazine, issue 42 in 2020:

FREITAG, P. (2020):„Ghost in the Shell“: ein außergewöhnlicher Illaenus aus dem Geschiebe, in: DER STEINKERN, Heft 42, S. 45-47. Link zum Heft: https://www.steinkern.de/inhaltsangaben/1345-heft42.html