Bundenbach Imitatocrinus gracilior + Eospondylus primigenius
16×32 cm (matrix)
Bundenbach; Obereschenbach mine
Multiplate with perfectly preserved crinoids Imitatocrinus and an entangled brittle star Eospondylus, on unbroken plate. Unique opportunity.
reserved
Imitatocrinus gracilior – The “imitator” with character from Bundenbach
Subtle elegance meets robust details: it’s the subtle differences that count.
The name says it all, but don’t be fooled: Imitatocrinus gracilior is far more than just an “imitator”. It is the powerful counterpart to the classic Hapalocrinus and impresses with its very own, striking aesthetics. Anyone who loves the subtle nuances of Devonian crinoids will be delighted by the geometry of this fossil.
Decisive details – how to recognize the “real” Imitatocrinus:
- The zigzag crown: The most spectacular feature can be seen in the tips: While other species often form gentle curves, the arms of this species are characteristically bent in a zigzag shape, especially at the ends. This geometric pattern gives the crown an unmistakable, almost rhythmic dynamic.
- Strong stature: In direct comparison, this species appears significantly more robust. Both the arms and the spines are more robustly built than those of its relatives. This gives the fossil a present, physically tangible structure on the slate.
- Spiny stem: A real highlight for taxidermists! While the radial plates of the calyx – unlike in Hapalocrinus – remain completely smooth, this animal wears its ornamentation on the stalk. Particularly in the section close to the calyx, there are often strong spines which, depending on the quality of the exposure, emerge wonderfully vividly.
- The clever calyx: For connoisseurs, the absence of spines directly on the radial plates is the most reliable identifying feature. This reveals the clear, undisturbed shape of the calyx body, which forms an exciting contrast to the “armed” stem.
A jewel for the systematic Hunsrück collection
In a well-assorted Bundenbach collection, Imitatocrinus gracilior is the perfect counterpart to Hapalocrinus. It is the ideal example of how nature relied on a similar design, but completely reinterpreted it in detail.
Eospondylus primigenius – The rare treasure from Bundenbach
A filigree jewel for connoisseurs of Devonian brittle stars.
While species such as Furcaster are the classics of the Hunsrück slate, Eospondylus primigenius is a real specialty. It is closely related to the genus Furcaster – which can be recognized by the characteristic ambulacral plates fused into vertebrae – but it is much rarer in terms of find frequency. In excellent condition, this genus is therefore often the target of passionate specialists.
The fine details – anatomy in a class of its own:
- Characteristic body disk: The most striking difference to its relatives is the round disk. This only includes two arm vertebrae and is covered with tiny platelets arranged like roof tiles – a structure that gives the fossil an almost scaly, very elegant texture.
- Boots and sickles: The true mastery of nature is revealed under the microscope: The vertebral halves of the arms are distinctively boot-shaped, while the side shields have an elegant sickle shape.
- The showpiece: The spines: The absolute highlight, however, is its spines. Excellently preserved and masterfully prepared, the exceptionally long spines give the animal an almost radiant aura on the dark slate.
- Classical features: As with all true Ophiuroidea (brittle stars), the madropore plate is on the underside (oral) – an important detail for scientific classification.
Why an Eospondylus belongs in every Hunsrück collection:
Due to its moderately long arms, this brittle star appears very compact and harmonious. It is not as expansive as a Furcaster decheni, but impresses with its significantly higher rarity and the unique platelet structure of its disk.
Quality and preparation
As the long spines and delicate disk plates are extremely fragile, this genus requires the utmost precision when uncovering. A piece in which the “sickle shields” and the full crown of spines are visible represents a significant enrichment for any documentation of the Rhenish Lower Devonian.
