Lace Coral or Bryozoan Colony
Bryozoa indet. cf. Cellepora or similar encrusting/foliaceous cheilostome • Body fossil, invertebrate colonial marine organism (Bryozoa)
Geological Period
Neogene (specifically Miocene to Pliocene) or potentially modern, though often found as fossils in coastal formations
Estimated Age
5 to 23 million years (if Neogene fossil) or recent subfossil
Preservation Type
Original calcitic/aragonitic skeletal preservation (or exceptionally well-preserved subfossil/fossil with minimal secondary alteration)
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good condition; delicate frond edges show minor wear, but the overall intricate surface lacework remains exceptionally well-defined and largely intact
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Bryozoa, Class Stenolaemata, Order Cheilostomatida, Family/Genus indeterminate without microscopic analysis
Morphological Description
Foliaceous, flattened sheet-like colonial growth form with intricate, delicate reticulated surface patterns showing numerous tiny zooecia (calcareous chambers for individual zooids). The structure exhibits branching or undulating fronds with distinct porous textures.
Rock Matrix
Free of matrix (cleaned specimen), likely originating from calcareous marine marl, limestone, or shell bed formations
Formation & Location
Commonly found in Cenozoic marine sedimentary formations such as the Yorktown Formation (USA), Murdochville beds, or European Neogene basins
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 8 to 10 cm across the widest section, consistent with a medium-sized colonial fragment
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
15 to 45 USD
Auction Estimate
20 to 50 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common, though exceptionally delicate specimens with intact surface detail are appreciated by educational collectors
Scientific Significance
Provides valuable paleoecological data regarding ancient shallow marine environments, water temperature, energy levels, and benthic biodiversity
Preparation Recommendations
Requires no further mechanical preparation due to delicate nature; store in a dry, stable environment away from acidic conditions and excessive humidity
Notable Features
Remarkably crisp lace-like surface texture revealing the fine architectural detail of individual zooid chambers across the undulating frond surface