Archaeopteryx Fossil
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Xenophon" title="User:Xenophon">Wolfgang Sauber</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameArchaeopteryx Fossil
Chemical FormulaCaCO3
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lusterdull
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect rhombohedral
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.7
Colorsyellowish-brown, tan
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalitySolnhofen, Germany
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesscientific study, museum display, collector's item
Associated Mineralscalcite
Raritylegendary
Description
This image displays a well-preserved fossil of Archaeopteryx lithographica, showing the skeletal structure and delicate feather impressions, set within a light yellowish-brown sedimentary rock matrix.
Geological Context
The fossil originates from the Solnhofen Limestone, a Late Jurassic Lagerstätte formed in shallow, anoxic lagoons, which allowed for exceptional preservation of delicate structures like feathers due to rapid burial in fine-grained sediment.
