Description

Araucaria Jurassic Pine Cone Fossil

Species: Araucaria mirabilis

Age: Jurassic, 160 million years old

Location: Patagonia, Argentina

Formation: Bojocian

This fossil comes from an old collection that has been in the US for decades. As such, it predates the Argentinian Export ban for this type of fossil, which makes it nearly impossible for new items to make their way into the collectors’ market. Because of this, araucaria cones are getting increasingly harder to come by, meaning this may be one of the last opportunities to get your hands on one.

Many fossil collectors may recognize Aracaria as the specimen of a tree that often petrifies here in the US, especially in Arizona. Interestingly enough, while petrified wood is commonly found here in the US, the tree cones are absent. This holds true in Patagonia as well, but in reverse, as the wood of the tree is harder to find compared to the cones.

This particular specimen is a great example of its kind, despite missing a section of the outer layer, because it also reveals the seldom-seen seed pod. Like modern-day pinecones, the spine forms a protective barrier to the seed within, but here we can see this internal structure on full display.

The offer includes a Certificate of Authenticity and the pictured flexi frame stand.