Fossil shrimp

It comes from the legendary Solnhofen Plattenkalk of Germany, a site world-renowned for its exceptional fossil preservation. Dating back to the Jurassic Period, approximately 150 million years ago, this fossil provides a beautiful look at a crustacean from that era.

The Solnhofen limestone is a special type of fossil deposit known as a Lagerstätte. It formed in a shallow, quiet, tropical lagoon with very little oxygen. This unique environment prevented decay and allowed for the preservation of incredibly delicate organisms, including the fine details of the shrimp’s body and its antennae. The antennae on this specific piece have been professionally restored, a common practice for such fragile fossils.