Opalized Belemnite Fossil . Coober Pedy, Central North. South Australia. Australia. ...

Description

Opalized Belemnite Fossil
Coober Pedy, Central North
South Australia
Australia

This incredibly striking and rare offering is prized opalized Belemnite from Australia's famed Opal fields. Dating back to the Cretaceous Period, these extinct marine creatures once lived in the Eromanga Sea, a shallow inland sea covering most of Australia. As the fossils went extinct and the sea dried up, vast fossil beds were left behind, creating the perfect environment for opalization. After millions of years, this museum-quality fossil was unearthed and prepared, showcasing striking play-of-color. Four Belemnite rostra, now replaced by Opal, remain as elongated bullet-shaped structures originally composed mostly of Calcite. The fossils are perched in the center of a chalky white Kaolinite (Opal Clay) matrix with Iron staining. Three of the fossils face one direction, while the large faces the opposite direction, creating a highly visual and dramatic display. Three Belemnites are White Opal, and one is Crystal Opal, all exhibiting bright, neon flashes in a 'Galaxy Pattern' with orange, green, blue, purple, yellow, red, and pink hues. The multicolor specimen is electric, expertly prepared, and repaired, with a few visible repair lines typical for the variety. Acquired from an Australian dealer in the late '80s or early '90s, this specimen is in great condition and hails from a prestigious private collection with the number '8' written on the backside of the white matrix in bold black ink. These unique fossils are not only beautiful, they are scientifically interesting and provide insights into ancient marine ecosystems and the process of opalization. Rarely seen on the market, this is an exceptional offering with a fascinating story and pedigree.
Overall Measurements: 4.42 x 3.34 x 2.00 inches (11.23 x 8.48 x 5.08 cm), weighs 180 grams

Provenance: Ex. George Lee Collection

More Information: The accompanying image is an artistic interpretation, based on knowledge from the fossil record and ancillary factors, of the potential appearance of the above extinct animal. Please note the rendering does not accompany the Lot.


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