Choose Your SpecimenTrilobites
·Real Fossil
Gerastos Trilobite on Matrix
- Real Fossil
- Approximately 390 to 400 million years
- Ships worldwide
£16.00
● In stock — dispatched within 2 working days
A beautifully preserved Devonian trilobite from Morocco, featuring a compact oval body and prominent compound eyes. Presented on its natural limestone matrix.
Choose Your Exact Specimen
You will receive the exact fossil shown for your chosen specimen.
Only 1 of this specimen — once it's gone, it's gone.
Specimen Record
DTF-947D99F3-10F518C4Exact specimen — your selection
Each option is photographed individually; you receive the specimen you select.
- Species
- Gerastos sp.
- Identification confidence
- Not recorded
- Age
- Approximately 390 to 400 million years
- Geological period
- Middle Devonian
- Formation
- Middle Devonian Limestone
- Locality
- Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco
- Dimensions
- Trilobite size: 2.1 cm (L) × 1.8 cm (W). Matrix size: 4.3 cm (L) × 3.5 cm (W)
- Weight
- ~35 g
Condition & Treatment
- Repair
- Not recorded
- Restoration
- Not recorded
- Stabilisation
- Not recorded
- Polishing
- Not recorded
- Composite
- Not recorded
"Not recorded" means we hold no verified record for that detail — it is not a claim either way.
Curator Note
Gerastos is highly prized by collectors for its iconic 'inflated' appearance and the exquisite detail of its holochroal eyes. Unlike many larger trilobites, Gerastos often exhibits a three-dimensional preservation that makes it appear almost as if it were still crawling across the seafloor.
At a Glance
Type
Genuine fossil
Display
Stands securely on its natural matrix; ideal for a desk or display cabinet.
About This Fossil
This exceptional specimen of the genus Gerastos offers a quintessential glimpse into the marine life of the Devonian period. Characterised by its compact, oval-bodied form, this trilobite features a beautifully rounded cephalon (head shield) and remarkably prominent compound eyes. These eyes, which would have allowed the creature to navigate the depths of ancient shallow seas, are often preserved with striking clarity.
As a seafloor inhabitant, Gerastos likely spent its life crawling across soft carbonate sediments and microbial mats in search of food. Many examples, specifically those attributed to the species granulosus, exhibit a distinctive granular or 'bumpy' texture across the head shield, adding a tactile complexity to the piece. Each specimen is carefully prepared to remain partially embedded in its original limestone matrix, providing both a stable natural base and a clear geological context for the fossil.
Formation & Preservation
These fossils are found within the rich Devonian strata of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. During this period, the region was covered by a warm, shallow sea. When the trilobites died, they were rapidly covered by fine carbonate silt, which protected the delicate carapaces from scavengers and currents. Over millions of years, the intense pressure of overlying sediment transformed the silt into the hard limestone matrix from which these specimens are meticulously excavated today.
What Makes This Specimen Special
Gerastos is highly prized by collectors for its iconic 'inflated' appearance and the exquisite detail of its holochroal eyes. Unlike many larger trilobites, Gerastos often exhibits a three-dimensional preservation that makes it appear almost as if it were still crawling across the seafloor.
Authenticity & Sourcing
Real vs Replica
- This is a genuine fossil — not a replica unless clearly stated. Clearly described and honestly presented.
- You will receive the exact specimen you select.
Ethical Sourcing
- Sourced from established suppliers and known commercial sites. We do not buy from localities we know to be protected, scientifically restricted, or subject to export controls. Origin and sourcing information is shared where known.
- ✓We will not knowingly handle specimens removed in breach of any country's heritage or export laws.
Origin & Natural Variation
Stated origin (Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco) and formation (Middle Devonian Limestone) are based on supplier information and available geological references. Identification can vary in certainty — especially for fragments — so where exact locality cannot be independently verified, we describe the formation rather than a single quarry.
Fossils are natural objects. Expect minor variation in colour, surface texture, and matrix, mineralisation and surface detail. Treatment information is shown under Condition & Treatment where it is recorded. “Not recorded” means we hold no verified record for that detail; it is not a claim that no treatment occurred.
Read our full authenticity & honest descriptions policy or the authenticity & sourcing clause in our terms.
Shipping, Returns & Packaging
• UK shipping: Free on orders of £50 or more. Standard £4.95 (Royal Mail Tracked 48, typically 2–3 working days after dispatch).
• International: Available worldwide. Rates at checkout.
• Packaging: Individually wrapped, cushioned, and boxed. Fragile specimens receive extra protection.
• Dispatch: Within 2 working days (framed, mounted, or made-to-order pieces take 1 additional working day).
• Returns: 30-day returns. Contact us first. Item must be in original condition.