Fossil Plate with Mass Aggregation of Trilobites, Paleozoic Era

Rarity and Value
This fossil plate presents an extraordinary aggregation of trilobites from the Ordovician period, dating back approximately 443–485 million years. The genus Asapnus is represented here in over two dozen complete specimens, each preserved with remarkable anatomical detail. Large, visually striking fossil slabs of this quality are rare and highly sought after by both private collectors and institutions for their scientific and aesthetic significance.

Discovery and Presentation 
Recovered from ancient marine sediment in the Leningrad region, the slab reveals a natural arrangement of trilobites with clearly visible cephalons, thoraxes, and pygidia. The clustering suggests a possible mass mortality event or a behavioral grouping, offering a rare snapshot of life in prehistoric oceans. The matrix remains in its natural state, with no artificial reconstruction, allowing the authentic texture and formation to be appreciated.

Craftsmanship
Minimal preparation was applied beyond careful cleaning and stabilization, preserving the original integrity of the fossils. The detailed segmentation and lifelike contours of the exoskeletons speak to both the resilience of these early arthropods and the precision involved in their presentation for display.

Human Connection
This piece is more than a scientific specimen—it is a tangible link to Earth’s distant past. As a centerpiece for a natural history collection, it evokes a sense of wonder at the diversity and complexity of early marine ecosystems, frozen forever in stone.