Fake Dicranurus monstrosus
This is a perfect example of a fake trilobite which was made in a mold.The numerous little holes you see on the matrix and the "trilobite" were caused by air bubbles that burst as the material used to make this was setting before it hardened.
For a demonstration on how these fake trilobites are made please visit SaharaOverland and click onto the "Faking It" link.
For more excellent information on fake trilobites,please visit Paleo Direct
Genuine Dicranurus monstrosus
Compare this photo with the one
above and you can see the obvious differences.
Morocco
Foum Zguid,Morocco
Courtesy of Google Earth
Morocco is known for it's exotic and unusual trilobites.New species are always being found which simply amaze and astound scientists in their diversity.However,care should be taken when purchasing Moroccan trilobites,as a large number of them will have a lot of restoration work done on them,due to careless collecting of these specimens. Moroccan trilobites that have been faked,or repaired,or restored will have some sort of black coloring applied to them to hide the areas in question.This coloring is usually black shoe polish,paint,coal dust,or some other form of artificial coloring.Many times,certain parts will be fabricated,and often,entire specimens will be totally fabricated.One popular fabrication is the composite,where a number of different species will all be attached to the same matrix.Most of the time, the main specimen will be naturally part of the matrix and a number of other specimens added.These composites can be quite attractive,so it is a good idea to check these pieces out carefully.There are times where you will find a piece with two different species of trilobites occuring naturally on the matrix,but usually,when you see three or more different species on the same matrix,it's most likely a composite,and the seller should state this fact clearly.Some ways to tell if a specimen is genuine or not are: 1.Examine the piece closely in good light and under strong magnification.Resins will exhibit tiny air bubbles as a result of being poured. 2.Examine the piece under ultra-violet light..If resins are present,they will usually glow and the genuine areas will not. 3.Test the piece by sticking it with a hot needle.Any resins present will have a definite scent. 4.Check for details.Fakes will lack definition and may appear glossy.Eyes may just be bumps with no details. 5.Know the physical characteristics of the trilobite (such as the number of thorasic segments,etc.) Sometimes two or more specimens will be attached together to make one.
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