This is a nicer than usual specimen of Metacoceras I wanted to share today. The matrix that preserves the shell is softer and was exposed at the end of the boulder. I may clean it up further, however, being fragile I may not be able to get much closer withoutRead More →
This is now the smallest example of Solenochilus I’ve found locally to date. I have a large store of limestone boulders that are all collected within 1,000 feet. The boulder was surprisingly devoid of other macro fossils, such as brachiopods or clams. PhotosRead More →
I have several specimens of Metacoceras piling up as I work on prepping them for display or storage. In prepping, I typically remove additional matrix, and I remove matrix covering details of the specimens. The white marks are a result of using an air-scribe to remove matrix. This tool strikesRead More →
The local limestone stratigraphy gives paleontologists ample opportunity to find specimens from the class Cephalopoda. These layers are all exposed as part of the Glenshaw formation, the dominant formation within Parks Township. The examples below represent a few of the many different cephalopods genera that are available. Found Cephalopod GenusRead More →
This large cephalopod was found in Brush Creek Limestone locally. The body chamber is large and is part of the demineralized layer that is a bit softer. I have spent a few bits of time working away from the limestone while trying to preserve the fossilized shell layer. The shellRead More →
Since my last Solenochilus, it’s been a while since I’ve found something very interesting. This evening I picked up a large rock, drove the 6lb sledge into it on edge and this nice specimen popped off the limestone boulder. The shell detail is really nice, making it easy to identify.Read More →
This week I found a third Solenochilus, this one with a still attached lateral spine. Solenochilus has a unique feature in a pair of lateral spines that were assumed to be used to help the creature swim in a stabilized nature. In numerous specimen photos I’ve seen, I have notRead More →
The genus Solenochilus was first described by Meek & Worthen in 1870. Found next to a burn pile, the piece of limestone this specimen belonged to was cooked at high heat for a length of time. The pit was used to burn occasional garbage. A number of pieces of BrushRead More →
Limestone found in water usually yields better specimens. The water works its way into the cracks and crevices within the rock and specimens often come out easier compared to dry limestone. This specimen of Metacoceras is one of my best ones yet, coming out in once piece and showing aRead More →
This speicmen is one of the best of the genus Metacoceras that I currently have. Metacoceras is one of the two most common species of cephalopod found in the Brush Creek Limestone. I have difficulty assigning a species. Even in the Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, there is a belief thatRead More →