Hemiaster whitei (Sea Urchin Fossil)

Some before and after pictures of a Hemiaster whitei fossilized sea urchin. It is from Turrant County, Texas (Goodland Formation). The creature existed in the Cretaceous Period.

It had some matrix all over it but the air abrasive unit removed the matrix in short order. This specimen is about the size of a prune. Same specimen in all four pictures. The top two show the fossil's topside and the bottom two show what it looked


This next one is a work in progress. An engraving tool has been used to remove the matrix off some of the fossil. Now an air abrasive is used to clean to the surface detail. This specimen is about the size of a chicken egg.

Beginning Air Abrasive Cleaning Cryptolithus Trilobite

Yesterday, I posted some images of Cryptolithus trilobites found in the Kope Formation, Carroll County, Kentucky. The visible part of the fossil (see last photo) could be seen on both sides of the cephalon. I decided that the middle could be air abrasive cleaned along with an engraver. As you can see (first two pictures) the whole bottom rim is now visible along with some of the inside shell. Whether the head plate is intact remains to be seen. Also part of the genial spine emerged.

Another part of the rock, yesterday I speculated part of a starfish arm might be visible. I am now wondering if this is just an imprint made in the matrix by the holes along the cephalon plate of the Cryptolithus.

Ordovician Cryptolithus Trilobite Fragments

These pictures show fragments of the Ordovician Period Cryptolithus trilobite found in Carroll County, Kentucky. It was found in the Kope Formation.


The U shaped collar is visible at both ends but the middle is obscured. I want air abrasive clean this fossil to try and reveal the entire cephalon (if intact). Mystery object in the left top corner could be a starfish arm.


You will need to click to enlarge this picture. This is a rock plate that had one of the previous shown trilobite fragments. Herb from KYANA Geological Society (Louisville, Kentucky) was looking at this piece and pointed out that this could be a starfish arm.