Brachiopod (Hebertella occidentalis)

Item Description

A classic brachiopod fossil (Hebertella occidentalis) from the Ordovician Period (approximately 445 million years old). Wikipedia states that "Brachiopods, phylum Brachiopoda, are marine animals that have hard "valves" on the upper and lower surfaces, unlike the left and right arrangement in bivalve molluscs". Brachiopod valves are hinged at the rear end, while the front can be opened for feeding or closed for protection. This piece features a pair of very well-defined and very well-preserved brachiopods measuring up to 2.2 cm across on matrix. Good quality and aesthetic to be sure.