AN EXCEPTIONAL, LARGE DOUBLE-SIDED PLAQUE OF FOSSILIZED SAINT-JACQUES SHELLS

AN EXCEPTIONAL, LARGE DOUBLE-SIDED PLAQUE OF FOSSILIZED SAINT-JACQUES SHELLS 

LACOSTE QUARRY, VAUCLUSE, SOUTHERN FRANCE

Gigantopectens restitutensis (160 x 106 x 35 cm), Burdigalien, early Miocene (20-16 million years ago). A gorgeous specimen of natural sculpture, presented on a custom base.

Fossilized scallops (Gigantopectens restitutensis), also known as Saint-Jacques shells, are found in the carbonate platforms of the Miocene epoch. The removal of this specimen from the surrounding rock represents handiwork of the highest caliber. The unusually deep layers of fossil accumulations are due to the fact that this specimen was found in a very rich and thick fossiliferous vein.

A much smaller double-face specimen can be found in the collection of the Natural History Museum of Marseille (Item MHNM 1243D).