Natural History - 'Australian' Polished Stromatolite Chert Slice

Comprising small crystals on a host. 34 grams total, 84 mm



From Nchanga, Zimbabwe. Collected in person in 1964. From the private mineral collection of Stephen Atkinson, Harpenden, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a letter from the vendor giving details of him collecting these minerals throughout his life.

From Coelodonta antiquitatis, comprising the upper part of the skull from the frontal bone to the top of the nasal bone. 4.85 kg, 68 cm



Found Oxfordshire, UK, clay pits. Acquired from Peter Lawrance, Cotswolds, UK, in 2002. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman.

The form of the woolly rhino’s skull and teeth had evolved to support its grazing lifestyle with its head dipped downwards towards the ground, even in its relaxed attitude. The skull is unusual in having both an extensively ossified nasal septum, probably evolved as a result of the heavy pressure on the horn and face when grazing, and a down-turned anterior region on the premaxilla that contacts the edge of the upper jaw. The shoulders were raised with a powerful hump, used to support the animal's massive front horn and also used for storing fat.

Comprising variously sized irregular chunks. 1.2 kg total, 20-37 mm



From Tanzania. Ex Mineral Imports, London, UK. Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd (Gregory's).