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Trilobites were among the first arthropods in the world. They represent a phylum of hard shelled creatures with multiple body segments and jointed legs. They make up an extinct class of arthropods (Trilobita), that includes over 15,000 species.
It has been reported that, in the Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountain region of Morocco, four or five new species are discovered every year. This area is considered to be the most diverse and richest source of these ancient sea creatures in the world.
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda, Class: Trilobita, Order: Phacopida, Suborder: Cheirurina, Family: Cheiruridae, Species: Crotalocephalus, Genus: gibbus.
Trilobites prepared in this manner (not flat against the matrix) are said to be in the flying position. This is a more difficult preparation process and therefore they command a higher price. This is one of the best prepped specimens for this species that I have seen (flat or flying).
Crotalocephalus trilobite replica
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Quantity in Basket:
None
Code: YPT-101
Price: $26.50
Shipping Weight: 1.13 pounds
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Time: Lower Devonian, approximately 395 million years ago.
Location: Morocco
Dimensions: 3-3/4" x 3-1/8" x 1-1/2"
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Painting instructions for: Crotalocephalus
Matrix: for the matrix we use stains (with solids) from Sherwin Williams. Colors can range from grey to tan or
brown and can be blotchy. Whatever you feel will give you a natural looking stone. You may need to expirament until you get something you are satisfied with.
1. Paint entire piece with the color you have chosen (top, sides, and bottom) for the matrix. Make sure that
there are no areas which did not get painted.
2. Using a soft rag (an old t-shirt works well), lightly wipe off high points of matrix and trilobite. This should
help bring out the details of the matrix. You might want to wear plastic gloves so you don't leave finger
prints.
3. Set aside and let dry
Trilobite: for the trilobite we use artist oil paints. Any paints you wish to use should do. It just depends on the
final finish you are looking for. Oil or acrylics should work equally well. You will need to mix your colors to get
this one right. I would use raw sienna mixed with a touch of raw umber for the final layer.
1. This trilobite will be a little tougher to get the color right than the others. You might start with a wash of Liquin and raw umber (1/2 and 1/2) painted over the trilobite only. Be careful not to get any on the matrix.
2. Wipe off the high points of the trilobite with a soft cloth. Leave paint in the deeper cracks of the trilobite
and be careful not to get any on the matrix.
3. Choose a starting point which seems logical to you. Usually a point which will not create a handling
problem later on as you progress with your painting. Use mixture of raw sienna and raw umber.
4. Use a fine point artist brush so you can accurately paint the fine detail of the trilobite (#1 through #3 usually
work best for me). The important thing here is that they are able to make a fine point at the end, for
detail.
5. The first photo above is provided to help you figure out what and how the piece should be painted.
6. You may have to paint both sides of the slender legs or you may be able to accomplish the job by painting
just the very top. The choice is yours.
7. In any case you want to make certain the edges are smooth and clean to make it look as realistic as possible.
8. When finished, set piece aside and let dry.
Finish: After the piece has finished drying (this depends upon what types of paint you used), spray the entire piece with a clear matte finish (we use KrylonTM Matte Finish) a couple of times to preserve your paint
job.
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