Partially Reconstructed Trilobite

3D Model

A partially reconstructed specimen of the trilobite, Acadoparadoxides briareus, from the Middle Cambrian… sold for a depressingly high price. Sadly, fake trilobite fossils are quite common, and can be found for sale in most ‘Rock and Gem’ shops and market stalls. You can find out more about how they are produced, and some helpful hints on identifying forgeries at these sites:

http://www.fossilmuseum.net/collect/faketrilobites3.htm https://www.paleodirect.com/fake-trilobites-how-to-identify/

While Morocco does produce some genuine articles, they are few and far between. Always be wary of what you are purchasing. At least with this specimen, much of the trilobite is real, but may be a composite of several different individuals. There is also some reconstruction around the cephalon (head) portion especially.