Take care when purchasing trilobites.Many times,certain parts will be fabricated,and often,entire specimens will be totally fabricated.One popular fabrication is the composite, where a number of different species will all be put together to form a completely new trilobite.Some ways to tell if a specimen is genuine or not are:
1. Examine the piece closely in good light and under strong magnification.Resins will exhibit tiny air bubbles as a result of being poured.
2. Examine the piece under ultra-violet light..If resins are present,they will usually glow and the genuine areas will not.
3.Test the piece by sticking it with a hot needle.Any resins present will have a definite scent.
4. Check for details.Fakes will lack definition and may appear glossy.Eyes may just be bumps with no details.
5. Know the physical characteristics of the trilobite (such as the number of thorasic segments,etc.) Sometimes two or more specimens will be attached together to make one.
Below are photos of a composite,and a fake trilobite composed entirely of resin: |
