SELTEN ANGEBOTEN 11,6 cm (!) Longianda termieri – Issafen Kambrium-Trilobit - Tierfossil

Extremely Rare Museum Quality Longianda termieri (Neltner & Poctey, 1950) – Issafen, Morocco | PAIS9611 - with Authenticity Certificate

Trilobites from the Issafen Formation are exceptionally scarce in complete, well-prepared condition. This specimen was sandblasted under stereoscopic microscopy with minimal consolidation; no paint, varnish or artificial enhancement applied.

Please see the high-resolution photos for full details: specimen in matrix context, isolated view, and magnified close-ups. Additional images available upon request.

OUR GRADING FOR THIS SPECIMEN: 5/5 ***** — rarity, size, premium-grade preparation, scientific interest, colour, all-natural condition.
(Graded using our transparent 5-point system — see seller info for details.)

- This specimen will be sent with a Authenticity Certificate

This exceptionally large Longianda termieri (11.6 cm) originates from the Early Cambrian shale deposits of Issafen, Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco — a locality renowned for its diverse and poorly documented trilobite assemblage. The specimen exhibits the characteristic rust-red limonite rim typical of Issafen material, with a blue-green matrix that weathers to light grey.

Professionally prepared under stereoscopic microscopy, the trilobite displays pronounced three-dimensional relief. Notably, the axial lobe preserves a row of vertical spines near the pygidium — a rare morphological feature among Early Cambrian trilobites.

The surrounding matrix has been carefully reduced to enhance visual impact while maintaining structural integrity. Minimal consolidation applied; no paint or artificial enhancement.

Geological context:
Issafen yields one of Morocco's most significant Early Cambrian faunas, dominated by Ellipsocephalidae, Chengkouiidae, Gigantopygidae, Holmiidae, Neltneriidae, Saukiandidae, and late Fallotaspoidea. The greenish-blue shale matrix (freshly split) provides critical stratigraphic context for Redlichiidan evolution in Gondwana.

Condition: Natural patina; professionally prepared; minimal consolidation only.

Dimensions
Trilobite: 11.6 × 10.7 cm (4.57 x 4.21 inches)
Matrix: 16 x 13 cm (6.3 x 5.1 inches)
Weight: ca. 750 g (ca. 1.65 lbs)

Scientific Details
Species: Longianda termieri (Neltner & Poctey, 1950)
Family: Saukiandidae
Order: Redlichiida
Class: Trilobita

Lithostratigraphy: Issafen Formation
Age: Lower Cambrian, Atabanian Stage
Locality: Issafen, Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Collection Code: PAIS9611 | Collected: November 2025

Special notes on Coloration:
The specimen exhibits a distinctive blue-green hue, likely resulting from mineralogical processes during diagenesis — possibly involving copper-bearing phases or altered silicates within the exoskeleton. This coloration contrasts sharply with the rust-red limonite rim that outlines the trilobite's margins, a characteristic feature of Issafen material. The bluish-toned matrix further enhances the three-dimensional relief of the axial lobe, cephalon, and pleurae, while the preserved vertical spines near the pygidium stand out with exceptional clarity. Together, these elements contribute both aesthetic appeal and significant taphonomic value.

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