Solenocheilus Body Chamber - Fossils of Parks Township

Catalog Number: CG-0019

First described in 1870 by Meek and Worthen, Solenochilus is a genus of Cephalopod. The identification is most likely, as two experts have noted the wide square shape of the specimen. For a short time I considered Ephippioceras. However, this specimen is much too large to be Ephippioceras, which are 2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter when mature.

This is likely a body chamber of the species. There is a Phragmacone evident, however I’ll need to work the specimen to see more of it.

The Discovery

It was really hot, in the 90’s and sunny all day. The limestone slabs I brought home a few days earlier were baking in the sun. As rock heats up, I find that it dries out and breaks apart easier. After it became cool enough to be outside working on rocks, I started tapping these apart with a rock hammer. After some time, I was close to giving up, but then this large piece appeared right in the middle of a larger slab.

When I first found this, I suspected a Clam or Oyster, but I was looking at it from the wrong angle. Turning it ninety degrees gives it a different perspective.