Natural History - Fossil Knightia Fish

The rectangular matrix containing four Knightia alta sp. fish. 955 grams, 24.2 cm



From the Green River Formation, Wyoming, USA. Ex Lincolnshire, UK, collection.

In southwest Wyoming (and parts of Colorado and Utah) in the Green River Formation are found some of the world's most outstanding specimens of fossil fish. The Green River system was composed of three lakes: Lake Ulinta, Lake Gosiute and Fossil Lake. These Eocene lakes lay in a series of intermountain basins formed by geological events that uplifted the Rocky Mountains during the early Tertiary time. The climate was much different from the desert-like climate of this area today. Both the fauna (crocodiles, alligators, boa constrictors and some subtropical fish families) and the flora (such as large palm trees) indicate a climate much like that found along the Gulf Coast today. Large amounts of ash found in the sediments indicate that volcanoes were particularly active at this time.

In a card folder with a short information text and twelve labelled mineral specimens: limestone, marl, sandstone, flagstone, flowstone, calcite, pyrite, a fossil crinoid, limonite, galena, barytes and wad. 57 grams total, 12 x 12.5 cm including folder



Acquired on the UK mineral and fossil market, since 1970. From the historic mineral collection of Richard Valentine Cain, London, UK, thence by descent.

Comprising small nuggets, some with cut edges. 645 grams total, 14-29 mm



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