Bundenbach Euomphalus sp.
2.5 cm (fossil), 20×23 cm (matrix)
Bundenbach; Obereschenbach pit
Rare gastropod on unbroken plate with excellent details.
Euomphalus – The golden wheel of the Hunsrück slate
Geometry at its best: an iconic gastropod.
This scroll breaks with the classic image of a pointed housing. Instead, it relies on an architecture of width and symmetry: striking, wheel-like winding and its timeless aesthetics
The spectacular details – what makes Euomphalus so unique:
- The distinctive “wheel” shape: The body of Euomphalus has an almost flat spiral shape. This means that the coils lie almost in one plane, giving the fossil the appearance of a miniature wheel. Particularly fascinating is the wide opening (the navel) on the underside, which allows you to look deep into the shell.
- The angular coil: Unlike modern snails, many species of Euomphalus have a characteristic edge or shoulder on the upper side of the coils. This gives the shell an almost technical, angular profile that casts spectacular shadows in grazing light.
- A miracle in pyrite: Euomphalus often occurs in the dark Bundenbach slate in a brilliant pyrite preservation. When the “golden wheel” lies on the deep black matrix, a contrast is created that masterfully emphasizes the mathematical precision of the windings.
- Size and presence: While many Devonian snails remain rather small, Euomphalus can reach impressive dimensions. A large specimen is a massive statement of the earth’s history and immediately attracts attention in any display case.
A classic of geological history from Bundenbach
The genus Euomphalus was so successful that it populated the oceans over a huge period of time. However, it is only in the Hunsrück slate that we find pieces with such depth of detail and metallic brilliance due to the special mineralization of the slate.
