Carbonized Plant Compression (Seed Fern/Glossopteris)
Glossopteris cf. indica • Compression/Impression Body Fossil; Paleobotanical
Geological Period
Permian to Triassic
Estimated Age
250 - 290 million years
Preservation Type
Carbonization and thin-film compression. The organic material has been reduced to a carbon film, while the surrounding matrix has undergone substantial oxidation.
Condition Assessment
Fair; the specimen is fragmentary and lacks distinct margins or a complete apex/base. The contrast between the carbon film and the matrix is moderately weathered.
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Pteridospermatophyta, Order: Arberiales, Family: Glossopteridaceae, Genus: Glossopteris (cf.)
Morphological Description
Specimen exhibits dark, carbonized organic residue on a reddish-oxidized bedding plane. Long, linear striations or parallel venation are visible, characteristic of broad-leafed seed ferns. The leaf blade appears fragmentary with a thick midrib indicated by the central linear depression.
Rock Matrix
Iron-rich Siltstone or Ferruginous Shale; reddish-brown due to hematite or limonite content, exhibiting a fine-grained, clastic texture.
Formation & Location
Commonly found in the Karoo Supergroup (South Africa), Gondwana sequences of India, or the Illawarra Coal Measures (Australia).
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 5-8 cm in length (estimated based on background texture), representing a partial section of a larger leaf structure.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $35.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$20.00 - $50.00 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common; Glossopteris fossils are locally abundant in Permian coal-bearing strata across the Southern Hemisphere.
Scientific Significance
Key evidence for the theory of Continental Drift/Plate Tectonics; Glossopteris flora distribution across the southern continents provided crucial proof for the existence of the supercontinent Gondwana.
Preparation Recommendations
Mechanical preparation is not advised due to the fragility of the carbon film. Should be kept in a dry, humidity-controlled environment to prevent further oxidation of the iron-rich matrix.
Notable Features
The distinctive deep red color of the matrix suggests a high-energy depositional environment or post-depositional weathering typical of specific Gondwanan fossil beds.