Brain Coral Skeleton or Scleractinian Coral Slice
Scleractinian coral cf. Diploria or brain coral morphology • Body fossil, marine invertebrate coral skeleton (often found as subfossil or recent marine skeleton rather than deeply mineralized ancient fossil, though similar forms exist in the fossil record)
Geological Period
Quaternary (Recent/Holocene subfossil or Neogene/Cenozoic)
Estimated Age
Recent to Pleistocene (0 to 2.58 million years)
Preservation Type
Original aragonite/calcite skeletal preservation, largely unreplaced porous calcium carbonate, typical of subfossil or modern beach-worn coral fragments rather than permineralized rock fossils.
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good condition. The surface details and fine structural ridges are exceptionally crisp, with minor edge wear consistent with wave action or weathering.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Cnidaria, Class Anthozoa, Subclass Hexacorallia, Order Scleractinia
Morphological Description
Exhibits intricate, meandering surface patterns, valleys, and ridges characteristic of colonial stony corals. Porous skeletal structure with fine septal lines radiating and aligning across the corallite walls, showing the internal calicle architecture.
Rock Matrix
None; completely cleaned of surrounding sediment, presenting as an isolated clean white skeletal fragment.
Formation & Location
Coastal marine deposits, reef terraces, and raised coral reefs found globally in tropical and subtropical regions (e.g., Caribbean, Indo-Pacific formations).
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 8 to 12 centimeters across, fitting well within the standard size range for broken coral colony fragments of this type.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $45 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common, widely distributed across tropical coastal regions and marine curio markets.
Scientific Significance
Provides modern and recent baseline data for understanding scleractinian coral reef growth, calcification processes, and paleoclimatic indicators through isotopic analysis of the skeleton.
Preparation Recommendations
No invasive preparation needed. Store in a stable, dry environment away from high humidity and acidic conditions to prevent surface degradation of the calcium carbonate.
Notable Features
The striking, fingerprint-like meandering valley patterns and exposed internal porous cross-sections provide a clear view of colonial coral architecture.