Rare Decapod Crustacean (Proeryon) & Ammonites - Germany

This is an unusual Early Jurassic, decapod crustacean of the genus Proeryon from the Posidonia Shale of Germany. It is 1.8" in length, and located on a 7.5x4" piece of matrix along with a pair of ammonite fossils. The shell of the Proeryon has a red iridescent shine to it.

The Posidonia Shale which outcrops in the Holzmaden, Germany has been commercially mined for centuries and has been used for such things as tile, table tops and fireplace hearths. These quarrying operations have also uncovered a vast treasure trove of beautifully preserved, Early Jurassic (~183 million years old) fossils. The lower shale layers have produced fossils including ichthyosaurs with preserved skin and soft tissue impressions.