Natural History - Historic Tourmaline in Matrix Mineral Specimen

A large specimen displaying good crystals of spear-shaped marcasite and cubic galena formations, collection number 453, with an old till receipt from the Natural History Museum Shop dated 1982. 2.62 kg, 14 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. Accompanied by an original historic index file card.

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.

Black variety with crystals showing striations, collection number 72. 120 grams, 53 mm



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