Description: Every once in a while you get lucky when you are out digging for leaf fossils. And then, much less frequently, there are those insane moments when you feel much more than lucky—as if something absolutely miraculous has just occurred. This fossil, I’m told, with its imprint facedown, literally popped out intact from a large scallop in an exposed layer of matrix. Behold its size. On its solid 10” x 9” plate, this five-lobed Macginitiea gracilis couldn’t have been more startling to find. With its flat, unbroken face nearly as large as the piece of matrix upon which it rests, it is, indeed, a miraculous find. Note the gigantic midribs, the great expanse of its networked venation, and the sharp presentation of its it serrated margins. Professionally prepared on a single piece of miraculously unbroken matrix. Free U.S. shipping only. ———————A note about fossils: While there are many fakes and forgeries on the market—and you need to be careful when purchasing fossils—I am confident of my sourcing and preparation. To be clear, nearly all fossils on the market are restored to some degree in preparation. But this kind of preparation is different from faking and/or misrepresenting fossils, which is usually but not always done to deceive or mislead buyers. That is why the skill and judgment of the preparer are so important—for there is a fine line between the restoration and forgery of fossils. That’s why I am not able to discern for YOU where exactly that line is drawn. Speaking for myself, restoration and repair of cracks, wear, dangerously thin plates, and “bite” marks are acceptable so long as they don't change or misrepresent the original fossil find. So, too, are the careful use of pigments and clear non-yellowing sealants which are used to protect and finish the fossil. I have seen hundreds and even thousands of "raw" fossils from the sites represented among my offerings. Some are nearly impeccable, but are dull in appearance until they have been sealed. Others have fragile plates, wear spots, or "bite" marks which, to my way of thinking, the preparer needs to address. And it’s not easy. If they do too much, they risk ruining the fossil, and, if they do not do enough, the fossil doesn't look as nice as it might—which, to my mind, makes the piece less desirable. So before you purchase a fossil from me, please look very closely at the pictures. If you see something you do not like, then please do NOT purchase the fossil. My aim is to offer only the very best fossils—those in the top 5% of all fossils taken—from exciting and exclusive sites. But, in the end, it is YOU who must be pleased. If you are not, please re-read my return policy above. I’m not wanting anyone to feel saddled with something they don’t like.
Price: 1000 USD
Location: Galesburg, Illinois
End Time: 2024-03-04T23:23:26.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
