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Minicryphaeus giganteus

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As-found-condition: the stone consists of 3 main pieces

As-found-condition:
the stone consists of 3 main pieces

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Cross-section through the Minicryphaeus

Cross-section through the Minicryphaeus

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After the first hours of preparation, it became clear
that the trilobite is nicely prone

After the first hours of preparation,
it became clear that the trilobite is
nicely prone

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During the preparation work, the
pieces have been glued back together

During the preparation work, the pieces
have been glued back together

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The finished specimen after 34 hours
of meticulous preparation

The finished specimen after 34 hours of meticulous preparation

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This trilobite is a Minicryphaeus giganteus. This species has a very distinctive appendage and is quite popular amongst collectors. Perfectly preserved specimen are very rare and pieces for sale were often prepared very roughly and with haste.

Trilobites from this site are not easy to prepare, because the rock is usually very hard and does not separate well from the shell.

With this preparation I tried to uncover the trilobite as best as possible and additionally to reconstruct the appendage that was imbedded in an upwards curving position.

An extensive article describing this preparation process was published on steinkern.de and is available under the following link: https://www.steinkern.de/english-articles/1328-minicryphaeus-english.html

Fossil: Minicryphaeus giganteus

Locality: Jbel Oufaten (Morocco)

Formation: Devonian, Pragian, Ihandar-Formation

Length of the trilobite: 8,7 cm

Work required: 34 hours