Natural History - Historic Large Cut and Polished Agate Mineral Specimen Pair

A molar from Coelodonta antiquitatis with root. 74 grams, 78 mm



Ex J. Shaul collection.

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: granite from Horsenden Lane, Ealing, Middlesex, England, collection number 429; stained calcite from Ghajn Tuffer, Malta, collection number 41; a cut and polished agate geode slice, collection number 165; fluorite from Mexico, collection number 325, with an old James Walker label and invoice dated 1978;ferruginous limestone with epidote, collection number 171; sandstone, collection number 90; mudstone, collection number 242; banded pebble from Iraq; scolecite from Peru, collection number 437. 2.06 kg total, 4.4-17.5 cm



Acquired on the UK mineral and fossil market, since 1970. From the historic mineral collection of Richard Valentine Cain, London, UK, thence by descent. Five specimens accompanied by an original historic index file card.

Comprising nuggets of small crystal clusters. 911 grams total, 19-30 mm



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