Protoleptostrophia perplana? Brachiopod

This may be one of the largest best preserved brachiopods I have ever found, measuring over 5 cm in width. It was recovered from the Silver Creek Member of the North Vernon Limestone of Clark County, Indiana, USA and appears to be a Protoleptostrophia perplana? (Conrad, 1839). Originally, I thought this was a Megastrophia (Caster, 1939) in an earlier posting (CLICK HERE) but Dave at Views of the Mahantango blog pointed out that error.

Thanks to Kenny for cleaning the matrix off this specimen with sand abrasive cleaning.  See further down in this posting for before and after pictures of both sides.  It really is clean!

Geniculograptus typicalis sp. Graptolite

Here are some nice fossils called graptolites and appear to be Geniculograptus typicalis sp.  This is an Ordovician fossil found in Woodford County, Kentucky.  Home of a fine Kentucky bourbon, Woodford Reserve.  Learn more at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail web site.  Drink and fossil hunt responsibly. :)

Note this genus use to be Climacograptus.  See this web site for details.

One thing I noticed about these fossils is they are very three-dimensional.  Most graptolites one finds are compressed into the matrix, these are not.

Thanks to Herb for the pictures and finding this nice fossils on a recent fishing trip.  Sweet!

GeoFest 2011

This upcoming weekend the Indiana State Museum hosts its annual GeoFest which has lots of fossil and mineral experts on hand to answer questions.  In addition, dealers will be selling minerals, fossils, jewelry, books, tools, and assorted geological items. Visitors get into the show with admission to the museum.  While in the museum, check out the world-class exhibits about all things INDIANA!

See my blog posts about GeoFest 2010: CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE

The event happens October 21-23, 2011 and the times are:

Friday and Saturday (Oct. 21-22): 9 A.M till 5 P.M. EST
Sunday (Oct. 23): 11 A.M. till 4 P.M. EST

Indiana State Museum

650 West Washington St.

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Visit the Indiana State Museum to learn more: CLICK HERE