Elrathia kingii - Selkirkia sp.
Vendor: Gold Bugs
SKU Number: SQ1127113
A nice association of Elrathia trilobites with a Selkirkia worm, from the sought after Middle Cambrian, Wheeler Shale Formation in Utah. There are also undetermined pellet like fossils on the stunning color banded matrix.
The larger Elrathia is a rare ventrally (upside down) preserved position that has not undergone excessive mineralization. Normally, the underside of trilobites from this unit have a ‘blob’ of mineralization obscuring the ventral test. In this specimen the exoskeleton is clearly visible and preserved in great detail.
Along with the two trilobites are a partial and very rare Selkirkia sp. worm (One of the rarest fossils at the Burgess Shale site), as well as numerous small pellet structures scattered across the plate. The pellet structures have been attributed to various possible causes, including “trilobite fecal remains” and the more likely, algael or microbial activity.
Full dimensions are listed below.
Vendor: Gold Bugs
SKU Number: SQ1127113
A nice association of Elrathia trilobites with a Selkirkia worm, from the sought after Middle Cambrian, Wheeler Shale Formation in Utah. There are also undetermined pellet like fossils on the stunning color banded matrix.
The larger Elrathia is a rare ventrally (upside down) preserved position that has not undergone excessive mineralization. Normally, the underside of trilobites from this unit have a ‘blob’ of mineralization obscuring the ventral test. In this specimen the exoskeleton is clearly visible and preserved in great detail.
Along with the two trilobites are a partial and very rare Selkirkia sp. worm (One of the rarest fossils at the Burgess Shale site), as well as numerous small pellet structures scattered across the plate. The pellet structures have been attributed to various possible causes, including “trilobite fecal remains” and the more likely, algael or microbial activity.
Full dimensions are listed below.
Vendor: Gold Bugs
SKU Number: SQ1127113
A nice association of Elrathia trilobites with a Selkirkia worm, from the sought after Middle Cambrian, Wheeler Shale Formation in Utah. There are also undetermined pellet like fossils on the stunning color banded matrix.
The larger Elrathia is a rare ventrally (upside down) preserved position that has not undergone excessive mineralization. Normally, the underside of trilobites from this unit have a ‘blob’ of mineralization obscuring the ventral test. In this specimen the exoskeleton is clearly visible and preserved in great detail.
Along with the two trilobites are a partial and very rare Selkirkia sp. worm (One of the rarest fossils at the Burgess Shale site), as well as numerous small pellet structures scattered across the plate. The pellet structures have been attributed to various possible causes, including “trilobite fecal remains” and the more likely, algael or microbial activity.
Full dimensions are listed below.
Additional Information
Elrathia kingii is one of the most common trilobites of the Middle Cambrian, wheeler Shale formation in Utah. Its more familiar form is a compressed dark gray mineralized carapace on a mid to dark gray shale. However, the Wheeler Shale has many facies including calcareous shale, shaley limestone, mudstone and thin, flaggy limestone that create amazingly colorful contrasts of reds, yellows, browns and greens.
The rock color combinations are caused by a variety of minerals, including iron and organic carbon. The color of sedimentary rocks reflect the depositional environments, including oxygen levels, organic matter, sedimentation rate, etc. Color is also influenced by transition metals such as iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, titanium and many others. E. kingii is a medium-sized trilobite with a smooth sub-ovate carapace that is tapered towards the rear. Thorax is usually 13 segments. Pygidium has four axial rings and a long terminal piece. Posterior margin of the pygidium has a long broad medial notch.
Selkirkia is a genus of predatory, tubicolous priapulid worms known from the Middle Cambrian Burgess Shale and more recently Utah.
