Here's the lowdown on the fossil:
It's a Favositid coral, from the family of Favosites. It is more commonly known as honeycomb coral (for obvious reasons) and is from the Devonian period, making it - wait for it...
It's a Favositid coral, from the family of Favosites. It is more commonly known as honeycomb coral (for obvious reasons) and is from the Devonian period, making it - wait for it...
380 million years old!!
Apparently, during the Devonian period, southwestern Ontario was situated just south of the equator or thereabouts. It was covered by a shallow, tropical sea... hence finding coral in such a land-locked location.
Apparently, during the Devonian period, southwestern Ontario was situated just south of the equator or thereabouts. It was covered by a shallow, tropical sea... hence finding coral in such a land-locked location.
I was stunned! I sort of still am. I gather these are not uncommon, especially when the very nice scientist at the ROM failed to offer me millions of dollars for it.
Directly from the museum, we retired to a pub and toasted the fossil's age, with three pints of excellent, locally-brewed stout. The waiter was bemused.
10 comments:
Well, dagnabit, Ace Girl! You gave it a good try. At least you ended up with a cool fossil and some good stout. :)
Well, that is OLD! :) WHat a nice little artifact you have there!
The museaum didn't try to have you donate it? ;)
When I read your blog I immediately went to Ebay in order to determine the fair market price for your fossil.
I did it partially in jest - I mean... fossils? On Ebay?
Well... after digging through nearly 2726 items I have determined (in my professional opinion) that you truly have a rare piece of Earth history...
And if I had a million dollars, I would buy it... just to make the story complete.
Gives new meaning to the expression "as old as the hills".
I think the fossil would look very nice mounted and displayed.
And, it's really pretty! Congratulations on a real treasure!
Pretty amazing looking fossil. It looks like a wasps nest, but its a coral! Your blog is very cool.
I came here after seeing your post at Mrs. G's. I'm another blogger named g. I think I have to figure out a new screen name!
Holy hell!
Seems to me like a day very well spent. :)
Yes, guess it doesn't make one feel old after all. I shall talk to this young scientist to inquire why he did not offer you millions. Did he not know WHO he was dealing with?
Willow, I tell you that's some fine stout!
Betsy, no they didn't dagnabit. I guess it's not that rare which is also surprising!
Woodchips, thanks for the thought at least!
LL: It's got pride of place on the top shelf in my bedroom, next to other more personal treasures.
PT & E: Thanks! It's a keeper. Hope Edward is keeping cool this long hot summer... :)
G, Gs unite! Welcome, I'm so glad you came to visit. I shall be visiting you!
Mrs. G, an honour to have you visit!
Dave, yes, and a day well ended. :)
Dr. M, well I was travelling incognito. But what is this assumption that the scientist was young and male? :)
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