Amazing Trilobite Fossils from Morocco
Morocco is a very beautiful country. Tourists might be attracted to its wonderful beaches as well as the bustling bazaars and souks but there is much more to this part of north Africa, especially if you are a keen fossil hunter. Take for example, the fossil hunting trips organised by young geologist Mohamed Koumali, he and his enthusiastic team give clients the opportunity to explore the amazing and highly fossiliferous deposits of Tinghir Province, a part of the world famous for its trilobite fossils.
A Wonderful Example of a Moroccan Trilobite
A fantastic Moroccan trilobite fossil.
Picture credit: Koumali Trilobites
The picture above shows one of the amazing trilobite fossils from south-eastern Morocco. The specimen has been carefully prepared and fine details of the exoskeleton have been revealed.
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Trilobita from Morocco
Team members from Everything Dinosaur have been lucky enough to visit Morocco on numerous occasions. The geology of the country is truly remarkable and fans of the Trilobita can acquire specimens that represent at least nine Orders of trilobites, and we thought Wales was at the heart of trilobite fossil hunting adventures!
Morocco has a number of advantages over Wales when it comes to going on a trilobite hunt. For a start, the weather tends to be warmer, sun protection is definitely recommended, as is cool clothing and a hat. The hot, dry winds have removed what soil there was exposing, great rocky pavements, although some of the fossil bearing strata is as hard as concrete and expert guides are required to help give visitors the best chance of finding a prize fossil specimen.
A Chance to Explore the Palaeozoic Past of Morocco
Spectacular views are guaranteed on a Moroccan trilobite hunt.
Picture credit: Koumali Trilobites
Depending upon which part of the country you visit, tourists can search for some of the best examples of Late Cambrian trilobite specimens, but there are also great swathes of Ordovcian and Devonian-aged strata to explore.
Trilobite Fossils
The range of trilobite specimens associated with rocks of Devonian age is particularly diverse, Mohamed’s home time of Alnif is regarded by many invertebrate palaeontologists as the best place in the world to find complete fossils of the spiny, thumb-sized trilobite Dicranurus monstrosus. This part of Morocco has yielded much larger examples of Devonian trilobite fauna. The Bou Dîb Formation exposures have provided scientists with some wonderful examples of the hand-sized Drotops megalomanicus, complete with huge, compound eyes. The team at Koumali trilobites take parties out to explore the remarkable rock formations and with a little luck, they too, can uncover an amazing trilobite fossil.
Cracking Open a Nodule to Reveal the Fossil Treasure Within
The slab and counter slab of a trilobite fossil.
Picture credit: Koumali Trilobites
Fluent in both English and French, Mohamed enjoys taking visitors out on fossil hunting trips, helping to educate and to inform people about the rich fossil heritage of his home. He has also had the opportunity to exhibit at several European fossil trade shows, including the prestigious Saint Marie-Aux-Mines Mineral and Gem show in France.
To enquire about tours, email: [email protected] for information. Or why not check out Mohamed’s Facebook page for further details.
An Amazing Day Exploring the Geology of South-eastern Morocco
Out on a trilobite hunt.
Picture credit: Koumali Trilobites
A guided tour, a fossil walk through the beautiful Moroccan landscape with an expert guide, is one of the best ways for amateur fossil hunters to explore the geology of North Africa.
For replicas of iconic fossil animals including trilobites: Replica Fossils, Toys and Gifts.
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