Soft Tissue Fossil Slug- Gary
A mineralized slug, Gary, that is semitransparent. On Gary’s face the upper and lower tentacles can be seen, with the respiratory hole on top. On the bottom side the foot is visible. Holding Gary up to a cellphone light shows his inner parts.
Gary is approximately one inch long, by a quarter inch wide, and three-sixteenths of an inch in height.
Other
Yes
Hello, Luis,
Thank you for your response. It was difficult to understand the context of the images I was given. I appreciate the clarity.
Carnelian Raw Stone, Crystal Red Agate
From the images of the example given, I believe this is a rough carnelian red agate. Agate is found in North America, South Africa, India, and Northern Asia (Russia). Agate formation occurs by the accumulation of silica-rich groundwater in volcanic and metamorphic rocks, over thousands of years. The unique form and clarity of your example with several bands present would be of interest to a jeweler. Tumbled and possibly carved into bead(s) or another form; this 1" selection could be a great necklace pendant. Agate is considered a semi-precious stone. In many cultural traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism Chakra energy healing, red agate is noted as a healing property and a stone that promotes strength.
Your example does look like a snail or slug specimen! But, fossilization of soft tissued animals such as gastropod mollusks does not exist. Soft tissues such as blood vessels, muscle and skin decay and disappear over time, while hard tissues like bone or shell may gradually acquire minerals from the environment and become fossils. All we have in fossilized form of these creatures is the remains of the shells and the impressions found in sediment rock.
Hi Luis,
In response to:
"Yes, soft tissue fossils do exist. I’ve come across octopi. This is a slug, possibly a sea slug. I’ve attached a comparison of an octopus I’ve come across, and a short video. I even have a soft tissue shark head. I can try to take Gary to a lab for conformation."
and
"I have one more question about my appraisal. If my rock did prove to be a slug that was at least 53 million years old, what would be a ballpark figure of its value?
Also, sorry that I forgot to mention that this specimen was found in the Permian Basin. I was so excited about finally getting it appraised that I forgot to mention it, and that the quarry it came from has many fossils, little ones. Have a great weekend!"
Thank you for your update. Yes, I would suggest taking your example to an in-person geology or anthropological department. I do strongly believe that a visit to a rock and mineral show and a focus on the geologic features will give you the clearest and correct assessment.
I, from images, have concluded that the item is a crystal or rock formation, I cannot give a hypothetical assessment that it is a different type of example. But, can state that I have not found a sea slug or snail soft fossil example in recent auction sales in the US.
Yes! the Permian was a time period and during this time a shallow sea covered the center of what we know as North America. It is a fantastic region to explore. I once found a small nautilus fossil section while hiking in Colorado Monument; it is an awe inspiring moment to recognize the evolution of our planet.
Amber