Natural History - Pyrite 'Fools Gold' Specimen Group [100]

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.

Comprising: scolecite from Peru, collection number 437; granite from the A40 construction works, Middlesex, England, collection number 507; sulphur from Mexico, collection number 65; chalcopyrite, collection number 317; green calcite from Missouri, USA, collection number 241, with old James Walker label and invoice dated 1977; legrandite from Mexico, collection number 490, with an old Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd label; malachite from Tsumeb, South West Africa, collection number 448, with an old Gregory, Bottley & Lloyd label; bornite on chalcopyrite, collection number 210; agate geode half, collection number 385. 675 grams total, 37-74 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. Eight specimens accompanied by an original historic index file card.

Showing a large quantity of ammonites. 358 grams, 97 mm



Found Lyme Regis, UK. From a Lincolnshire, UK, collection.