This is the “Fossil Friday” post #105.  Expect this to be a somewhat regular feature of the website.  We will post any fossil pictures you send in to esconi.info@gmail.com.  Please include a short description or story.  Check the #FossilFriday Twitter hash tag for contributions from around the world!

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A gorgeous Annularia annulariafolius is our Fossil Friday this week.  These are fairly rare fossils, which often are preserved in 3-D, which can lead to them breaking into many pieces across multiple planes.  This specimen comes from ESCONI board member Andy Jansen.  He had to piece it back together.  Looks like you did a great job, Andy!  Thanks for sharing this stunning and interesting specimen!

Andy’s story.

Here is the Annularia annulariaefolius that I froze outside overwinter and lightly tapped with another small concretion this spring. It “blew apart” along the many planes formed by the leaves that radiate around each node. I glued most pieces back in place, which hid several leaves. One section of leaves, I kept unglued so you can see the leaves underneath the stem (compare the two final photos). This was a very poor looking concretion when I found it. I almost didn’t collect it since it showed signs of being hammered at least three times in the past (see photo of outer surfaces) – proof that freeze-thaw is the method that should be used first for all concretions.

The puzzle…

And, the solution!

It’s a stunner!