An exceptionally rare Fossilised Seastar - Echinoid, Star-Fish, Macroaster coronatus or Starfish plate. The clayey limestone seafloor fossil plate or matrix (excavated and then later conserved in a British fossil technicians lab to a high standard) from the Cretaceous period of Morocco, dating to around 130,000,000 years ago.
The matrix (fossil rock) is cut flat to the base for an excellent display aspect. Several calcified tentacles/partial tentacles or arms, coral stems and other marine detritus are visible within the matrix, the soft-toned fossilised clayey matrix.
More and more a rare discovery in the worlds fossil layers. The Atlantic High Atlas, Ha Ha region is situated on the Western Coast of Morocco and is more usually famed for its colossal fossil ammonites.
These echinoderms often overlooked form part of a rich fauna. They show how diverse the area and seabed was in the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods.
A catastrophic event, possibly a storm or tsunami, caused the local population of marine seabed life to be covered over very quickly, which would account for the perfect preservation in this region. Later the sea bed was thrust upwards to form some of the highest peaks on the continent of Africa.
See our other fossil starfish listings on eBay this week. The same fossil bed deposit was excavated two decades ago and recently prepared out of the limestone rock to a high standard in Great Britain.
Genus: Possibly Marocaster coronatus, (Blake & Reboul 2011).
Age: Cretaceous Period, Lower Barremian, 126,000,000 - 131,000,000 m.y.a.
Origin: Ha Ha country, Western High Atlas, Taba, North of Agadir, Morocco.
Approx Starfish Plate measurements.
Height: 10 cm
Width: 10 cm
Plate: 2 cm
Starfish measurements.
Height: 3 cm
Width: 3 cm
Approx weight: 0.400 Kg
Purchaser will be supplied with full photographic ID certification of authenticity, display stand and free postage to the United Kingdom mainland.
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All other isles off the mainland may also be subject to surcharges. Don't hesitate to contact us for a quote before placing your order if you are in any doubt. Unfortunately, we may have to cancel orders where the appropriate shipping charge is unpaid. This rule only applies if posting abroad or outside of the mainland UK and depending on your location.