{"product_id":"schildkrote","title":"Fossil turtle skull Lytoloma elegans","description":"\u003cp\u003eA remarkable fossil turtle skull of the species \u003cem\u003eLytoloma elegans\u003c\/em\u003e, measuring approximately 13.5 cm in length. The piece originates from the Late Cretaceous phosphate deposits near Khouribga, Morocco.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe skull is preserved with its upper and lower sides in the natural rock matrix, offering exceptional insight into its original geological environment. Both the skull and matrix are entirely naturally preserved, with no composite construction or artificial fabrication.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFossil turtle skulls from the Khouribga phosphate deposits are particularly sought after by collectors. Many comparable pieces on the market have been heavily reconstructed, assembled from multiple parts, or artificially restored. This specimen stands out due to its natural preservation in the matrix, as well as the preserved connection between the upper and lower parts of the skull.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThe Khouribga Discovery Region\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe phosphate deposits around Khouribga in Morocco are internationally renowned for their exceptional fossil richness. These marine deposits preserve an impressive diversity of Late Cretaceous vertebrates, including fossil turtles, mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, sharks, rays, and numerous species of bony fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany fossils from this region are discovered during phosphate mining operations. Fossil-bearing material can be recovered and prepared before the surrounding phosphate layer is further processed. This has led to an extensive and significant collection of Late Cretaceous marine fossils from the Khouribga region.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDetails\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLytoloma elegans\u003c\/em\u003e\n\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eObject:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fossil Turtle Skull\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiscovery Region:\u003c\/strong\u003e Khouribga, Morocco\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eGeological Age:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late Cretaceous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e approx. 13.5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003ePreservation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural skull with upper and lower sides in original rock matrix\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003e\n\n\u003cstrong\u003eComposition:\u003c\/strong\u003e No composite construction or artificial fabrication\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertificate of Authenticity:\u003c\/strong\u003e A certificate of authenticity will be provided with the skull.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional and characterful natural piece from the Khouribga phosphate deposits, ideal for collectors of Moroccan fossils, fossil turtles, and Late Cretaceous marine vertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShipping Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e This fossil will be shipped directly from Morocco. This may result in a delivery time of up to 14 business days.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCustoms Note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Depending on the destination country, additional customs duties or import fees may apply. Please check the regulations and potential costs applicable to your country before purchasing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor buyers from Germany, a 19% import VAT typically applies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nautilus Natural History","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58475761566040,"sku":null,"price":899.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0997\/4068\/0536\/files\/Schildkr_tensch_del_Lytoloma_elegans.png?v=1789488953","url":"https:\/\/nautilusnaturalhistory.com\/en\/products\/schildkrote","provider":"Nautilus Natural History","version":"1.0","type":"link"}