Natural History
Natural History
Bouquet of Giant Scallop Fossil Shells
Early Miocene, Burdigalian (approx. 20 - 16 million years ago, Lacoste Quarry, Vaucluse, France
Auction Closed
July 26, 08:15 PM GMT
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Bouquet of Giant Scallop Fossil Shells
Gigantopecten restitutensis
Early Miocene, Burdigalian (approx. 20 - 16 million years ago)
Lacoste Quarry, Vaucluse, France
15 1/4 x 13 x 6½ inches (38.7 x 7.62 x 16.5 cm) on affixed wood base. 25 pounds (11.3 kg).
Multiple Gigantopecten specimens attached to and curving up and out from limestone matrix at base. The wide radial ribs on its thick shell distinguishes this extinct type of scallop or pectan. The specimens in this limestone matrix display are well-preserved intact shells with both halves mostly articulated.
Gigantopecten restitutensis — also known as a Saint-Jacques shell — is a species of scallop that thrived all over the world during the Early Miocene, from approximately 20 million to 16 million years ago.
Like today's extant scallops, Gigantopecten restitutensis was a saltwater mollusk that lived on the sea floor, filtering and eating plankton. These bivalves had relatively large shells, growing to heights of over 5 inches (13 cm) with widths topping 6 inches (15 cm). Because of the considerable size and fragility of Gigantopecten fossils, their removal from the surrounding rock matrix represents excavation and preparatory work of the highest caliber, with the gently sloping, floral-like specimen offered here being a wonderful example.