Natural History - Popcorn Quartz Crystal Specimen

A polished ovoid moss agate bead, pierced for suspension. 25.9 grams, 32 mm



Essex gallery, early 2000s.

A Knightia alta fossil fish in matrix. 277 grams, 13 x 9.5 cm



From Wyoming, Green River Formation, U.S.A. Acquired during the 1980s. From the Pradi Collection, Boston, U.S.A.

Seasonally, some 56 million years ago, in the Green River Region of Wyoming, torrential rains fell on the mountains. The rain flowed down the mountain sides, forming wide shallow lakes in the valley below. During the dry season, these lakes evaporated (similar to certain parts of Africa today). Millions of fish died in this short period of time. This climatic cycle happened over a 20-thousand-year period. Layer upon layer of mud was deposited over these years, entombing huge numbers of fish. At a much later date volcanic activity uplifted this area to expose their fossils.

A section of Sikhote-Alin meteorite, showing the characteristic outer surfaces. 6.9 grams, 22 mm

Fine condition.

From Primorye, Russia. Ex private Shropshire, UK collection. Accompanied by an information slip.

The Sikhote-Alin meteorite fell during daylight at 10:38 am local time on 12th February, 1947. Witnesses reported a fireball that was brighter than the sun. It came from about 15 degrees east of north and descended at an angle of 41 degrees. It left a trail of smoke and dust 20 miles long which lingered for several hours. Light and sound from the fall were observed for two hundred miles around the point of impact.