Fossil identification

4. How does this affect fossil prices?

Monetary devaluation of a fossil occurs immediately upon discovery that a specimen acquired as genuine, authentic, without restoration, composition is proven otherwise.

The collector needs to be aware of (in particular) fossil types which are commonly faked – these include (but not limited to) trilobites, fish, reptiles (Keichousaurs especially) dinosaur bones, teeth, claws.

High value fossils are particularly tempting for artisans especially rarities where the fossil beds are near to exhaustion.

5. Fossil suppliers

It is known that artisans (Moroccan especially) share amongst themselves, elements of certain trilobite species in order to construct a whole specimen eg one may have a cephalon, another the thorax, another genal spines.

Skilfully the miscellaneous elements are matched upon a matrix, worked to uniformity, fractures filled and painted before being presented to a middle man who then sells to an export agent, selling on to a fossil dealer, who then supplies to an unsuspecting collector.

The chain of supply of course may be much greater, with any relevant details being lost as distance from initial artisan increases (doubtful however that the construction details are ever given).

6. What to watch out for

One of the most commonly faked fossils is the highly popular Chinese Triassic aged reptile, Keichousaurus hui – sometimes very crudely made from moulds filled with resin, the ‘fossil’ then glued to either an artificial matrix or genuine matrix slate.

Missing elements of genuine fossil K. hui (frequently skulls, digits, terminal caudal vertebrae) may be carved into the matrix or simply painted on.

Artefacts of antiquity may be reproduced by deliberately breaking the matrix, gluing back with a white cement (to replicate naturally formed calcite mineral veining) – again compositing is quite usual with two specimens joined to create one whole K. hui.

The deception can be convincing and even fool experienced fossil dealers – it is vital that the collector never purchase specimens of K. hui direct from mainland China (responsible for manufacture of fakes) – dealers in UK, USA, Europe are a more reliable source.

Again however, generalist fossil dealers may not have the knowledge and experience gained by handling sufficient numbers of K. hui to guarantee authenticity in all respects – specialist preparators with a comprehensive working knowledge of the species should be referred to.

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