#Draa Valley fossil

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[amineherofromzero]

A 15-Day Fossils and Minerals Collecting Tour from Marrakech

If you're passionate about minerals collecting, don't miss the opportunity to join an exceptional tour from Marrakech . Atlas Geo Tours offers a 15-days Fossils and Minerals Collecting Middle Boutchrafine Tour from Marrakech. This tour is designed for both novice and experienced mineral collectors, providing an in-depth exploration of Morocco's rich geological landscape.

Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel, where you'll meet your tour guide for a briefing session. You'll have some free time to explore Marrakech before departing the next day through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at the Tizi n'Tichka pass for stunning views and visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, before spending the night in Ouarzazate.

From Ouarzazate, you'll drive through the Valley of Roses and the Dades Gorge, where you will have your first mineral collecting session in the Dades Valley. You'll learn about the geological formations and types of minerals found in the region, then spend the night in Boumalne Dades. The journey continues with a visit to the Todra Gorge, where you'll have another collecting session in the Todra Valley and discover fossils and rare minerals with the guidance of your expert, followed by an overnight stay in Tinghir.

Next, you'll explore the road of 1000 Kasbahs and have a collecting session in the Jorf area, learning about the history of fossil discoveries in the region before staying overnight in Erfoud. From Erfoud, you'll head to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, experiencing a camel ride into the desert and collecting desert roses and other unique minerals, ending the day with an overnight stay in a desert camp.

In Rissani, you'll visit local fossil workshops and collect minerals in the Erfoud area, learning techniques of fossil preparation before an overnight stay. The tour continues to Alnif, a small town known for its fossil-rich sites, where you'll spend the day collecting trilobites and other ancient fossils, enjoying a traditional Berber lunch before spending the night in Alnif.

You'll then explore the stunning desert landscapes en route to Zagora, with a mineral collecting session in the Zagora area and an overnight stay. Continuing to Mhamid, you'll visit the Draa Valley and collect minerals in the Jebel Bani area, enjoying a desert excursion before staying overnight.

Driving through arid landscapes, you'll reach Tata, where you'll collect minerals and visit local artisan workshops before an overnight stay. The journey then takes you to Tafraoute in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, where you'll collect rare minerals and learn about the geological history of the region before an overnight stay.

From Tafraoute, you'll drive to Tiznit, known for its silver jewelry, where you'll have a mineral collecting session and visit local markets and artisans before spending the night. You'll then drive along the Atlantic coast to Agadir, collecting minerals on the coastal cliffs and beaches, with free time to explore Agadir before staying overnight.

Finally, you'll return to Marrakech, where you'll have free time for last-minute shopping and sightseeing, culminating in a farewell dinner and overnight stay. This comprehensive tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore Morocco's diverse geology, collect unique minerals and fossils, and experience the rich culture and landscapes of the region.

For more details, visit their official page here. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a beginner, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Morocco's mineral treasures.

[webdono]

5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: A Captivating Adventure

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ouarzazate My 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga began after breakfast, as we set off towards Ouarzazate via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The journey through the High Atlas mountains was breathtaking, offering remarkable views of Berber villages. The highlight of the day was visiting the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a delightful lunch by the Kasbah, we continued to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa." Here, I had the chance to explore film studios where movies like "Gladiator" and "The Sahara" were filmed. We spent the night in a charming riad, complete with dinner and breakfast.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Boutghrar – Dades Valley After breakfast in the riad, we ventured into the Dades and Rose Valleys. Our first stop was Skoura, where I wandered through the Birds Valley and visited the Ameridil Kasbah. We then traveled to Kalaa M’gouna, famous for its rose fields and rose products. The journey continued through the road of a thousand Kasbahs, providing ample opportunities for beautiful photographs. We visited Boutghrar, meeting Berber families living in caves. After a traditional Berber lunch, we arrived at the Dades Gorge, marveling at the "Monkey Toes" rock formation and the Ait Yul Kasbah. We spent the night in a traditional Berber guesthouse, enjoying dinner and breakfast.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Today, after breakfast, we drove towards Tinrghir and the Todra Valley, admiring the panoramic views of old Berber villages. At the Todra Gorge, I walked under the towering 300-meter cliffs, popular with rock climbers. After lunch, we reached Merzouga, where my camel awaited. Welcomed with mint tea and a desert scarf, I embarked on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. That night, I slept under the stars in a traditional Berber nomad tent, an unforgettable experience on this tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.

Day 4: Merzouga – Draa Valley We woke before dawn to witness the stunning sunrise. After returning to the hostel for breakfast and a shower, we visited the market in Rissani, a bustling hub for desert nomads. Next, we explored the fossilized marble factory in Erfoud before heading towards the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad. Arriving at the Todra Gorges, I was amazed by the vertical walls formed by the Todra River. After lunch and a tranquil walk through the gorges, we continued to the Dades Valley, spending the night in a guesthouse nestled in the Dades Gorges, with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 5: Draa Valley – Marrakech Our final day started with breakfast and a visit to the cinema studios in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the Hollywood of Africa. We then explored the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and filming location for numerous movies like "Indiana Jones" and "Lawrence of Arabia." After a leisurely stroll through this historic site, we continued through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. A lunch stop in the Atlas Mountains provided a perfect end to our journey. The 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga concluded with a drop-off at my riad or the airport in Marrakech, leaving me with cherished memories of an incredible adventure.

[jranatoursmoroccosblog]

8 days Travel: Imperial Cities, Anti / High Atlas and Desert Erg Chebbi

Day 1: Rabat - Meknes - Volubilis - Moulay Idriss - Fez

Morning departure for Meknes, the Imperial City of Sultan Moulay Ismail, with visits to its Medina, or old city, and Bab el Mansour, the monumental gateway and main entrance into this 17th century city. Next, stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis—the finest archaeological site in Morocco –with its mosaics, temples and triumphal arch, on your way to the village of Moulay Idriss, the holy founder of the first indigenous Islamic kingdom of Morocco. Continue to Fes for check-in at your hotel (breakfast)..

Day 2: Fez – Visit Guided

Pick up from your hotel to make a visit of Fes, the oldest imperial city. Visit of the mellah (Jewish quarter), the medina, the exterior of the mosque, visit to the Koranic school Al Boaunania and the university El Karaouine. Lunch at a typical restaurant in the medina. External visit of the Andalous mosque and Moulay Idriss tomb. Panoramic visit of the city. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 3: Fez – Merzouga

Pick up from your hotel after breakfast, then drive south to Ifrane and Azrou through the Middle Atlas mountains. On the way you will stop at the cedar forests to see the Barbarian Apes in their natural habitat. Travelling through the Tizi Ntalghamt pass to Midelt and along the magnificent Ziz Gorges carved through volcanic rock, you’ll see views of the Middle-Atlas plateau and the scenery changing to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city of Errachidia. After lunch we’ll continue our journey through the Ziz Valley to Merzouga hotel where you will leave your luggage in a safe room , after a cup of tea you will take a camel ride to a Berber camp in the middle of the Erg Chebbi Dunes which are the highest sand dunes in North Africa. The camel trek takes about 1 hour 30 min to the camp. The tents are well equipped with mattresses, blankets, and cushions. After dinner you will gather around the fire and enjoy the sound of traditional Berber drums under the stars. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 4: Merzouga

Early morning riding camels to the edge of the Sahara desert and to the Dunes of Merzouga, the highest in North Africa, to see the sun rise. Imagine yourself on the camel, enjoying the Saharan landscapes. Also, we will have the chance to listen to Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia. Then on through date palm groves to the remains of what was once the medieval city of Sigilmassa. Tonight we enjoy a dinner of local food. (Dinner/breakfast).

Day 5: Merzouga – Tazarine – Agdez – Ouarzazate

Early morning, you will wake up to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, followed by breakfast in the camp the camel trek back to the hotel at the dune line for a quick shower. We drive to Rissani, a small Saharan town in southeast of Morocco, here we can stop to visit a fossil workshop before we continue to Agdez and Draa valley junction where we head north to Ouarzazate after crossing the small volcanic Atlas Mountains. Overnight in Ouarzazate.

Day 6: Ouarzazate - Marrakech

Visit of Morocco’s ‘Hollywood’ before we depart for Taourirt and the famous Kasbah village of Ait Benhaddou and on to Marrakesh. (Dinner/Breakfast)..

Day 7: Marrakech City Tour

Visit the Arabic palaces and old Koran school for a taste of Morocco culture and history. Visit Ménara Garden and the Souk where many guild artisans can be watched as they work. Beautiful tapestry and fabrics and leather. Exotic spices. The Plaza Djemna el Fna with Berber musicians, snake charmers, fortune-tellers, fire-eaters, storytellers is a must. The night brings the FANTASIA spectacular, a special Marrakech dinner..

Day 8: Marrakech - Casablanca - Rabat

After breakfast, prepare for departure to Casablanca and Rabat to airport as you carry your Morocco holiday travel experiences with you,... Journey's end.

What is included :

Private tour in comfortable air-conditioned vehicle

Pick up from your accommodation

Multilingual Driver/guide

Camel Trekking

Night in Desert Camp

Breakfast and Dinner

What is not included :

lunch

Drinks

Fee to Enter some Monument.

http://www.jranatoursmorocco.com/8-days-Travel.html

[moroccotoubkaltravel]

3 Days to Marzouga Desert ℹℹℹℹℹℹℹℹℹℹ Merzouga is known for its stunning views. Join us for this amazing adventure and get to experience Berber way of living! Day 1: Marrakesh – Tizi Ntichka pass  – Ait ben Haddou – Roses Valley – Tichka Pass – Dades Valley Gorges First we cross the spectacular Tizi n' Tichka Pass of the High Atlas mountains. Your first stop will be to visit two Kasbahs, Ait Ben Haddou and Kasbah Telouet. Driving between these two Kasbahs you will have another quick stop to take a look at the Salt Caves. After these stops we will drive onwards passing through many Berber villages, being able to observe the Skoura oasis, Kalaat Mâgouna, groves of spectacular olive tree's and barren hillsides that are clustered with Kasbahs and traditional Berber houses. After lunch we drive further to Valley of the Roses, with beautiful views of the Dades valley also know as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Overnight in Dades Valley in a hotel on half board. Day 2: Dades Valley Gorges – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Camel ride – Nomadic Tent Our destination is Merzouga, along the way we will pass through Tinghir visiting the local palmeries. The next big stop will be to visit Todgha Gorge where you will walk through the gorge having the chance to take in the spectacular canyon. Afterwards we will drive onwards passing through many Berber Villages, Erfoud ( this is a famous area for fossils, you will have a chance to observe the process of cleaning and polishing the fossils and be able to see the finished products) and Tifilalte oasis eventually reaching camp Erg Chaabi in Merzouga. You will then meet your guide and have a 1,5 hour camel ride to reach the camp to admire the sun set. Overnight at the camp on half board. Day 3: Camel Trek back to Merzouga – Ouarzazate – Pass Tichka – Marrakesh Early morning you will wake you up to watch the sunrise from the dunes and return by the camels to the hotel. After breakfast and shower we'll pass the huge Palm Grove of Tafilalet through Rissani and  Draa Valley, arrive to Ouarzazate. Free Time for lunch before getting back to Marrakesh. Arrival in the evening and drop off at your riad or anywhere you want and end of our services. (à Morocco, North Africa) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci5FFROozt1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[marrakechatlastur]

Ouarzazate trip to Desert Merzouga: Skoura - Kelaa Mgouna - Valley of the Roses - Dades Gorges - Gorges of Todra Departure from Ouarzazate around 8: 30 in the morning bound for Skoura where we will make a brief visit of 20 minutes Amredhyle Kasbah, one of the wonderful kasbahs of the 'Route of the thousand kasbahs'. Continuing our journey through the 'Valley of the Roses' where we will cross 50 km of slopes in the valley. Kasbah Ait Youl. Before we get to Boumalne, we will have lunch at the top of 'Canyon Dades'. After lunch we will continue towards Tinghir about 20 km of the most beautiful gorges of Todra. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Dia 2: Gargantas do Todra - Tinjdad - Touroug - Erfoud - Merzouga In the morning walk through the plantation of Tinghir palms. ParaTinjedad we travel where we have lunch and visit the plantation Touroug of applause after reaching Erfoud to visit the crafts fossil. Continuing our trip to the fascinating Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga village, where we will change the 4X4 vehicle for dromedaries towards the place where we spend the night.  Overnight in the camp of Berber tents where we will also have dinner. Day 3: Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif - Tazarine - Draa Valley - Agdz - Ouarzazate Early in the morning departure to enjoy the sunrise in the Sahara Desert. The return to the hotel will be on camels. Breakfast and departure towards the palms of Tafilalet plantation, passing Rissani, the old Alaouite capital. After departure to Alnif, where there will be lunch. Visit to Tazzarine, Tansihkt and Nkob Oasis. We will go to Ouarzazate through the Draa Valley and the village Agdz Berber in Ait Saoun route located at 1660m altitude. Arrival in Ouarzazate. For the prices, Please contact us.  Our team wishes you a happy stay in Morocco. Www.marrakechatlastur.com Email:contact@marrakechatlastur.com https://www.instagram.com/p/BxdABq8nnaaKu5VmpN6HAFGSeOUg3TNzCUjDv80/?igshid=1hxx8x8s1ylbe

[topfygad]

Travelmag – Thanks for the reminiscences: a night time in Morocco

A tour to Morocco is unquestionably a memorial expertise. Lower than the course of Jana Pekova of Your Morocco Tour and Youseff, our certified driver, a number of good buddies and I visited Morocco this previous April. We’re Four females in our 60s and 70s who descended on this nation, soaking in its fairly a number of choices that shaped us anew.

We flew into Madrid after which caught a flight to Casablanca. The ocean port of Casablanca, the fourth main in Africa, stretches out for miles. On a solemn take notice, the magnificent mosque of Hassan II welcomes vacationers and natives alike. This largest non secular monument within the Muslim atmosphere exterior of Mecca holds some factor for each individual. Children slide down concrete partitions into wading swimming swimming pools, youth think about their luck at turning friendships into romances, worshipers wait patiently for the hour of prayer, and guests crane their necks to catch a peek inside the hefty doorways. Shut by, sits the pristine metropolis of Rabat. Current day governing administration buildings sit near gardens relationship again to the 1100’s.

Phrases fall transient in describing the spectacular city of Chefchaouen. Andalusian connections shout forth at each alley change. How a number of shades of blue can there be? What number of whitewashed properties can a single see? How plenty of pictures can one explicit take of lounging cats appearing like guard puppies to the properties driving them? This metropolis of mazes thrills all with its picture options at every convert.

Subsequent comes Fes, the cultural cash, simply probably the most complete medieval Islamic metropolitan areas on this planet. Merely, one explicit is transported again in time. The streets are simply as they ended up after they have been developed within the eighth century. Superior partitions shield the courtyards inside from the noon sunshine. Tantalizing steam oozes from the plenty of widespread bathhouses (named hammams) to mingle with the smells of tanneries and unique spices. The traveler finds selection at every flip on the push from Fes into the Sahara Desert. Rocky, solar baked plains give option to cedar that, in flip, undergo deep canyons. Then the sand dunes appear.

This marked the middle of our fifteen working day tour of Morocco. Following our two evening stay at Desert Luxurious Camp, we drove across the Atlas Mountains to the Todra Gorge, halting to discount for carpets and mingle with shepherds shifting their herds by way of the gorge. We put in time at Alt Ben Haddou, the simplest preserved Kasbah. This favored film entire lot for Hollywood reveals extraordinary partitions of purple earth, silt house home windows and crumbling towers. Recollections of “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Gladiator” rush to our minds, wishing we skilled been solid as extras within the extravaganzas.

Then will come Marrakech, a particular overload of sensations. A sampling of the foodstuff within the market ranges from sheep eyeballs to tajine. Bartering will get to be second character within the lots of on lots of of present market stalls. An lovely mosque sits solely a kiss absent from palaces and refreshing gardens. Night time mild reveals compete with snake charmers. And powering main partitions sit lovely riads, emanating serenity within the midst of town’s chaos.

The earlier pirate’s liar of Essaouira lies west on the Atlantic coast. Its maze of slim lanes, sweeping seashore, little cafes, and bathhouses (hammams) soothingly caress the weary traveler. The fishermen carry of their seize and mend their nets, and the eating institutions alongside the pier harken the guests to understand the freshest of fish. Portuguese, Berber and French battlements present their historic previous on this article, with two fortresses looking above the ocean.

The returning drive to Casablanca leaves virtually nothing lacking in pure magnificence and appeal, primarily with a lunch finish in Oualidia, a picturesque metropolis regarded for Moroccan oysters and recent new seabass. The ocean laps as much as shore, the fishermen show display their morning catch, and a banquet is distribute forth with a serenade of ocean waves.

Actually, every particular person location we frequented had its distinctive adventures and pure magnificence. However, the one which retains contacting me again once more as Pure Magic is the Desert Luxurious Camp in Merzouga. When every day lifetime turns right into a bit chaotic, after I come to really feel a bit frazzled, I activate my psychological swap to this camp. And, miraculously, its recollections soothe absent cares and anxieties. The camp is totally owned by Moroccans, Hamid who grew up in Merzouga and has by no means ever remaining Morocco but speaks 5 languages and his pal, Abdou, who arrives from a village within the Draa Valley. In 2013, they arrange this camp, securing their staff from Merzouga and Berber villages of the Superior Atlas Mountains. The camp might be achieved solely by foot, camel, 4×Four WD, or helicopter. Merely, web site guests actually really feel as if in yet another globe. The tents are large and roomy, a single changing into the sleeping tent and the opposite an ensuite personal toilet.

Set succinctly, it is a location that restores one’s spirits. Up early to seize the dawn invigorates an individual to know that the day will likely be stuffed with pleasure. The solar’s rays lighten the dunes, splashing the sand with colors of apricot and caramel. Cares soften absent with the help of a propped-up cozy pillow, delicate padded mattress, and cradling hammock. A cooling cup of tea and an excellent e-book are at one’s beckoned cellphone, and the hospitality of the Berber people radiates as they share legends and video video games of chess. The meals gadgets is plentiful and attractive: Moroccan tajin, clear fruit, and Medfowna, a flat bread usually referred to as Berber pizza. In mid-early morning, my good buddies and I camel trekked. Baba, my new-found camel buddy, obediently lowered himself for me to plop aboard after which rose stalwartly at his chief’s command. We ventured into the silence of the dunes through which his operator equipped tea and defined to the camels to get off for a spell. They scattered for about an hour of camel recess, then rejoined us for our journey again to camp. Once more in camp, we sank into the sand as we climbed the dunes, dug for fossils, fell in our feeble makes an attempt at sandboarding, and buried ourselves within the heat sands to appease away any joint agony. Atop a dune, campers acquire for sundown, as if the decreasing of the nice purple ball confirms the goodness of the day.

Nighttime supplies a campfire of latest music, dance and storytelling. Collected near the campfire, the drums mix with tunes from important iron castanets. The employees keep out their arms to every camper, gathering them in as they weave everywhere in the campfire in track and dance. Previous to heading off to mattress, the evening sky beckons a farewell. The obvious sky slips to a deep inky blue, the celebs and planets glow like diamonds scattered all through the universe, and one explicit is assured that candy desires will certainly abide by.

Certainly, Morocco is a mix of entertaining, coaching, and tradition. However I recognized its Desert Luxurious Camp in Merzouga to be this and much more: sure, magical. I can pull up the adventures of Casablanca, the appeal of Chefchaouen, the approach to life of Fes, the thrill of Marrakech, and the heritage of Essaouira. However after I desire a working day of magic, my mind simply flies to the Sahara Desert and luxurious tenting in Merzouga.

Copyright © 2018 Bonnie Lynn

from Cheapr Travels https://ift.tt/2LNG1n6 via IFTTT

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Brittle Stars (Ophiura) – Ordovician Draa Valley Morocco, Starfish Plate Specimen

A rare and visually striking Fossil Brittle Star Plate featuring multiple Ophiura specimens, preserved in fine marine sediment from the Ordovician Period of the Draa Valley, Morocco. This beautifully detailed slab captures the delicate morphology of ancient echinoderms that lived over 450 million years ago in the warm, shallow seas of what is now North Africa.

Ophiura are part of the class Ophiuroidea, closely related to modern-day brittle stars and starfish. These marine invertebrates are characterised by their central disc and long, flexible arms which they used to scavenge and filter food from the seafloor.

Fossil Type: Brittle Star (Echinoderm)

Genus: Ophiura (tentative)

Geological Age: Ordovician Period (~485–443 million years ago)

Formation: Likely Fezouata or equivalent Ordovician marine formation

Depositional Environment: These fossils formed in a shallow, tropical marine shelf setting with fine-grained calcareous muds. Exceptional preservation is due to rapid burial under anoxic conditions, often associated with storm deposits or microbial mats.

Morphological Features:

Central disc with five radiating arms

Arms display segmentation and flexible articulation

Multiple individuals preserved in natural orientation

Notable:

Rare and detailed echinoderm fossil from North Africa

Excellent display slab for collectors or educators

The exact specimen photographed is the one for sale

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the image – the scale cube represents 1cm for accurate size reference.

This Ophiura brittle star fossil slab from the Draa Valley offers a remarkable glimpse into Ordovician marine life and is a scientifically important and aesthetically beautiful collector’s piece.