Chalcedony pseudomorph / fossil after Gastropod (Hippochrenes volgensis)

Item Description

This specimen came to us from a good friend in Tucson this year, who specifically held it back for us. With that said, it's one of the best finest we've had to offer. This near full cabinet sized specimen is enticing due to the fact that it's an unusual pseudomorph and a fossil all in one. This piece features a beautifully fossilized spiral Gastropod (Hippochrenes volgensis) shell which has been completely replaced by gemmy smoky colored Chalcedony on matrix. The largest measures 7.2 cm long. The shells is complete, and has been exposed by sandblasting away the surrounding host rock. It's incredibly difficult to find ONE well-preserved fossil shell of this material, let alone such a supreme example ON MATRIX. A rare opportunity to pickup a fine quality, eye-catching and desirable pseudomorph / fossil specimen. The piece has a saw mark on the bottom so it sits beautifully on its own without the aid of a base or clay. Priced in the inventory at $2,400. For reference, the species Hippochrenes volgensis has only been known for a little over 30 years, as it was first described by Moroz & Yermokhina in 1991.