The fossil from the Messel mine near Darmstadt, embedded in epoxy resin, dates from the EOCENE era and is approx. 48 million years old, format with frame 44 x 48 cm. The pure shell of the soft-shelled turtle (scientific name: Allacochelys) is approx. 20 x 18 cm in size. The pit was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 as the first German natural monument and is a “treasury of prehistoric times”. A maar crater formed around 50 million years ago due to volcanic activity Lake formed and a tropical climate prevailed. Carcasses were particularly well preserved in oxygen-poor silt. Among other things, ancient horses, crocodiles, birds, fish, turtles and an anteater, as well as insects and plants, were found. After the extraction of oil shale in open-cast mines ended, long-term planning for a large landfill began in 1971, which was prevented at the last moment by numerous protests. During a visit I had the opportunity to observe two teams of archaeologists during excavations (which will continue for a long time). The Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt are significantly involved (including excavation and preparation work), the Hessian State Museum in Darmstadt (finds) and on site: World Heritage Messel Pit with museum (permanent exhibition, special exhibitions, access to the pit as part of guided tours). Children can also split oil shale there under guidance and maybe even find fossils. [hint: this is an automatic translation from German]   |   Category: Fossilizations   |   Material: Stein   |   Country of origin: Hesse, Germany | Similar pieces