Chalcedony ps. After fossil sponge (2016 find)

Bu Craa, Laayoune Province, Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra Region, Morocco
Miniature, 4.1 x 3.2 x 2.7 cm
Start Time: 10/18/2018 6:30:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 10/25/2018 6:30:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed

Item Description

Fascinating and sculptural 360-degree fossil pseudomorphs from recent finds in Morocco. Three-toned, translucent, dark brown, light brown and whitish chalcedony has replaced a striking globular, bubbly colonial sponge with an "arm". The darker brown chalcedony is restricted to the smaller sponges on one side and the bottom and adds a striking visual aspect to this piece. Originally marketed in Europe as being from Smara, Western Sahara, these are actually from these obscure open-pit phosphate mines, that have also produced snow-white quartz geodes (MINDAT). The deposits are Upper Cretaceous - Eocene age, 100-34 MYA. This cutie displays well without aid.

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