About the item: An authentic fossil of the marine reptile Keichousaurus from the Triassic period – a prehistoric life artifact of monumental size, formed during the Middle Triassic, Ladinian stage, approximately 242–237 million years ago in the territory of present-day China. This impressive specimen represents an extinct genus of the order Sauropterygia, preserved in a dark carbonate rock. The fossil features excellent anatomical clarity, natural quartz vein inclusions, and a substantial weight. Valued for its advanced chemical preparation that exposed maximum bone relief, this fossil is an exceptional witness to the Mesozoic era, possessing great scientific and aesthetic value.
Technical information:
Height: 31 cm.
Width: 18.6 cm.
Depth: 1.3 cm.
Weight: 2068 g.
Origin: Xingyi, Guizhou Province, China.
Geological system: Mesozoic.
Period / Epoch: Middle Triassic (Ladinian, 242–237 million years ago).
Condition: Natural, without artificial coloration.
Conservation: Professionally exposed using the acid method, part of the matrix leveled with putty.
Structural and analytical breakdown: This specimen demonstrates a beautifully expressed, complete marine reptile skeleton distinguished by exceptional anatomical integrity. A precise chemical method was applied to prepare the fossil – the rock was washed with diluted oxalic acid. Since the reptile's bones consist of calcium phosphate, they do not react with the acid, while the surrounding carbonate rock softens and easily peels away under the chemical process. This allowed for the full and safe exposure of the spinal column, rib cages, and the elegantly curved long neck with the skull. The dark rock matrix is dynamically traversed by natural white quartz veins, lending additional aesthetic charm to the composition, while certain small areas of the matrix were professionally stabilized and leveled with putty to ensure the structural integrity of the slab.
Historical and geographical context: Keichousaurus is an extinct genus of tiny marine reptiles belonging to the family Pachypleurosauridae. During the Middle Triassic period, these animals dominated the shallow, warm tropical oceans covering present-day China. The fossils found in Guizhou Province, especially within the layers of the Xingyi region, provide paleontologists with invaluable knowledge regarding the structure of Mesozoic marine ecosystems and the early adaptation of reptiles to an aquatic lifestyle, occurring well before the rise of the great dinosaurs.
Collectible and investment value: The market value of this Keichousaurus fossil is defined by several key aspects. First and foremost are the exceptional dimensions – a full 31 cm height and a weight of over 2 kg turn this slab into a representative, premium-level collector's piece. The safe chemical exposure is also valuable, guaranteeing that the dark bone texture remained natural, deep, and undamaged by mechanical tools. The visual character adds to its value, creating a fine contrast between the dark skeleton, gray stone, and light quartz lines. Finally, the object features universal applicability, because due to its sculptural quality and size, it is an ideal choice for substantial fossil collections, naturalistic interior decor, cabinets of curiosities, or prestigious educational projects. This impressive marine relic, over 240 million years old, is an authentic document of prehistoric nature, harmoniously combining scientific weight, natural Mesozoic beauty, and long-term collectible potential.
