Museum Quality Rare Esmeraldina rowei lateral – Lower Cambrian OUT OF STOCK

Esmeraldina is a rarely seen Lower Cambrian Olenellid trilobite that appeared soon after the very first trilobites.  It is a very unusual species featuring a row of standing spines down its axial lobe, as well as very large genal spines and small intergenal spines.  Esmeraldina is likely the first trilobite to incorporate these standing axial spines that are seen more commonly in later trilobites. Fine examples of Esmeraldina are very scarce due in part to their extreme rarity in general, but also due to the lack of preparation technology even as recent as a decade ago.

This specimen is lateral (on its side), and coiling in an enrolling fashion.  The lateral pose allows for an excellent view of the axial spines that the species is so well known for. The exoskeleton on this specimen is well preserved, with some granulation visible upon inspection.  The side of the small, paddle-like pygidium is visible as well on this specimen.  Easily one of the best examples of this species.