Ediacaran vendobiont fragment (Dickinsonia-type)
Dickinsonia cf. costata • Impression body fossil of an Ediacaran biota (invertebrate/metazoan)
Geological Period
Ediacaran Period (Late Neoproterozoic)
Estimated Age
558 to 550 million years
Preservation Type
Death mask impression (negative relief) in sandstone, formed through microbially induced sedimentary structures (MISS) that stabilized the sediment.
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the specimen is fragmentary and lacks the full body margin, though the internal isomer structure is well-defined in the central region.
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Animalia (incertae sedis); Phylum: Proarticulata; Class: Dipleurozoa; Family: Dickinsoniidae; Genus: Dickinsonia
Morphological Description
The specimen exhibits a characteristic ovoid, flattened body plan with clear serial quasi-symmetry. It shows transverse rib-like structures known as isomers that meet along a central midline (rachis). The texture appears quilted or finely ridged, typical of vendobiont anatomy.
Rock Matrix
Fine-grained siliciclastic sandstone/quartzite with characteristic 'elephant skin' microbial mat texture and minor iron oxide staining.
Formation & Location
Likely the Rawnsley Quartzite of the Flinders Ranges, South Australia (Ediacara Member), or the White Sea region of Russia.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 4-6 cm in width; this is a partial fragment of a larger individual, which typically range from 1 cm to 1.4 meters in diameter.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $600 USD
Rarity Assessment
Rare; while certain sites are productive, authentic Dickinsonia fossils are geographically restricted and subject to strict export laws in countries like Australia.
Scientific Significance
Crucial for understanding the earliest evolution of multicellular life. Proarticulates like Dickinsonia represent some of the earliest known animals with bilateral (or glide) symmetry, predating the Cambrian Explosion.
Preparation Recommendations
Requires no mechanical preparation. Should be kept in a dry environment and handled with gloves to prevent skin oils from darkening the delicate impressions. Oblique lighting is recommended for display.
Notable Features
The presence of distinct 'quilted' isomers and a clear midline suggest this is a Proarticulate rather than a microbial colony. The brownish hue suggests a high concentration of iron-rich mineral replacement.