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.
Well, dagnabit, Ace Girl! You gave it a good try. At least you ended up with a cool fossil and some good stout. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, that is OLD! :) WHat a nice little artifact you have there!
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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".
ReplyDeleteI think the fossil would look very nice mounted and displayed.
And, it's really pretty! Congratulations on a real treasure!
ReplyDeletePretty amazing looking fossil. It looks like a wasps nest, but its a coral! Your blog is very cool.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteSeems to me like a day very well spent. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, 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?
ReplyDeleteWillow, I tell you that's some fine stout!
ReplyDeleteBetsy, 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? :)