Description
Authentic Elrathia kingi Trilobite in Matrix – Wheeler Shale, Middle Cambrian
This listing offers a genuine Elrathia kingi trilobite fossil preserved naturally in its shale matrix, sourced from the world-famous Wheeler Shale Formation in the House Range, Antelope Springs, Millard County, Utah, USA. These compact trilobites, generally measuring 8–12mm, are highly prized for their well-defined preservation and scientific importance. Each fossil is a carefully selected specimen, with the photographs showing a representative example of the quality and style of the fossil you will receive. All fossils sold are 100% authentic and include a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Background – Wheeler Shale Formation
The Wheeler Shale, dating to the Middle Cambrian (~507 million years ago), represents one of the most important fossil-bearing formations of the Cambrian Period. It formed in a deep, relatively quiet marine basin where extremely fine sediments slowly accumulated in thin, easily split layers. These finely laminated shales were deposited under low-oxygen conditions, which inhibited decay and protected delicate remains from disturbance.
Because of these unique factors, the Wheeler Shale preserves both hard-shelled trilobites and soft-bodied organisms with exceptional clarity. It stands as one of North America’s most significant windows into early marine ecosystems, capturing life during a time of extraordinary evolutionary expansion following the Cambrian Explosion.
Species Overview – Elrathia kingi (Order Ptychopariida)
Elrathia kingi is among the most iconic and widely recognised trilobite species in the fossil record. Highly valued by collectors and educators, it represents an excellent example of Cambrian trilobite anatomy and is frequently used in museum exhibits and academic studies.
Commonly observed morphological traits include:
- Smooth, rounded cephalon with a distinct central glabella
- Fourteen well-defined thoracic segments that create a graceful arched profile
- Tapering pygidium proportioned symmetrically to the cephalon
- Low-relief exoskeleton, allowing fine anatomical details to remain visible
- Compact, balanced outline, characteristic of the species
The small size of these fossils does not diminish their detail; in fact, specimens in the 8–12mm range are often exceptionally crisp due to the fine-grained matrix that encapsulates them.
Preserved in matrix, each fossil shows the trilobite as it naturally lay within the Cambrian seafloor sediments, making these pieces both scientifically valuable and visually appealing.
Palaeontological Importance – Antelope Springs, House Range
The House Range at Antelope Springs is one of the most celebrated trilobite localities in the world. Shale deposits here split cleanly to reveal beautifully preserved trilobites, making the area a cornerstone of Cambrian palaeontology. The exceptional fossils uncovered from these beds have contributed greatly to our understanding of marine community structure, sedimentary processes, and arthropod diversification during the Cambrian.
Collectors value fossils from Antelope Springs for their stability, clarity, and consistent quality. Each specimen reflects a moment from an ancient seabed that existed more than half a billion years ago, offering a direct connection to Earth’s early marine life.
Your Genuine Fossil Specimen
- Species: Elrathia kingi
- Formation: Wheeler Shale
- Age: Middle Cambrian
- Size Range: 8–12mm (see representative photos)
- Locality: House Range, Antelope Springs, Millard County, Utah, USA
- Authenticity: Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Condition: Naturally preserved trilobite in original shale matrix
- Representative Photos: You will receive a specimen of comparable quality
These Elrathia kingi trilobites in matrix make exceptional additions to fossil collections, educational displays, and natural history exhibits. Their compact size, excellent preservation, and deep geological significance offer an accessible yet scientifically rich piece of Earth’s ancient past.
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