EXTREMELY RARE FOSSIL PALM FROND WITH FISH. ...

Description

EXTREMELY RARE FOSSIL PALM FROND WITH FISH
Sabalites sp., Knightia sp.
Eocene
Green River Formation, Wyoming
Because of the slow and lengthy nature of the fossilization process, vegetable matter is rarely preserved in the fossil record, usually decaying long before it can have a chance to be preserved in rock. The superb limestone deposits of the Fossil Lake area in Lincoln County, Wyoming, are one of the few places where dead flora and fauna was buried swiftly enough by silt-mud to preserve this softer material. Even with such advantageous conditions, however, palm fronds are a rare discovery. Their thin and delicate structure often means they remain hidden between the sedimentary layers and even then rarely intact or complete. Prized among collectors, these Green River palms represent some of the largest fossilized leaves ever found. Adding to the appeal and complexity of the present example are six fossil fish of the Knightia genus. In addition, close inspection of the surface of the plaque reveals the presence of numerous further fish, their shadowy outlines just discernible, waiting for the skilled preparatory to uncover them from the host rock. The warm natural dark brown tones of the exposed fossils contrast beautifully with the pale ground of the matrix, making this plaque ideal for a wall or easel mount. With a natural-seeming irregular contour to its outline, it measures an impressive 94 x 59 inches.

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