Crickites
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Before preparation
Before preparation
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The surrounding matrix is removed step by step
The surrounding matrix is removed
step by step
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Close up of the shell during preparation
Close up of the shell during preparation
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More small goniatites appear around
the living chamber
More small goniatites appear around the living chamber
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The finished specimen
The finished specimen
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Careful preparation reveals fine pores
of the shell
Careful preparation reveals fine pores of the shell
This goniatite is probably a member of the Crickites genus. It comes from the Matagne formation of Belgium and is characterized by a extremely well preserved shell, showing fine pores.
The preparation was quite difficult, since the rock is very hard and shows very poor separation. Therefore the preparation took relatively long. The shell surface could only be preserved by time-consuming but gentle blasting.
Fossil: Crickites sp.
Locality: Region Chimay (Belgium)
Formation: Upper Devonian, Frasnian, Matagne-Formation
Diameter: 27cm (10.6 inch)
Work required: 17 hours