Tabulate Coral (Syringopora)
Syringopora cf. ramulosa • Body fossil; Invertebrate (Anthozoa)
Geological Period
Carboniferous to Permian
Estimated Age
299 to 359 million years
Preservation Type
Recrystallization (Calcitic or Silicified replacements common in this genus)
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the specimen is weathered and fragmented but shows clear diagnostic branching structures and tubule connections.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Cnidaria, Class: Anthozoa, Order: Tabulata, Family: Syringoporidae, Genus: Syringopora
Morphological Description
A phaceloid colony of slender, cylindrical corallites connected by frequent small transverse processes (tubules). The corallites are parallel to sub-parallel and display a characteristic organ-pipe arrangement.
Rock Matrix
Light gray to white weathered limestone/micrite fragment
Formation & Location
Commonly found in the Carboniferous Limestone Supergroup of the UK or the Mississippian/Pennsylvanian formations of North America.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 5-7 cm in width; Individual corallites are roughly 1-3 mm in diameter consistent with genus standards.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $35 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common; Syringopora is a globally distributed and abundant genus in Paleozoic limestone deposits.
Scientific Significance
A classic example of reef-building tabulate corals which became extinct during the Permian-Triassic mass extinction; useful for paleoenvironmental reconstruction of warm, shallow marine seas.
Preparation Recommendations
Keep in a dry environment; lightly clean with a soft brush and water if necessary; avoid acid cleaning which may dissolve the delicate calcareous tubes.
Notable Features
Features the distinct 'organ-pipe' structure with visible horizontal connecting processes between vertical corallites, which differentiated them from contemporary rugose corals.