{"product_id":"fru-lim-4","title":"Fossiliferous limestone (Bosnia \u0026 Herzegovina)","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFossiliferous limestone specimen\u003c\/strong\u003e - Vaganska pećina (Ваганска пећина), Vitorog, Northeastern \/ Internal Dinarides, Dinaric Alps, Republika Srpska, Bosnia \u0026amp; Herzegovina\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eThis specimen of \u003cstrong\u003efossiliferous limestone\u003c\/strong\u003e, a classic sedimentary rock formed in high-energy marine environments. This piece is composed of a fine-grained micritic matrix, typical of the \"lithographic\" limestones found in the \u003cstrong\u003eDinaric Alps\u003c\/strong\u003e. The specimen serves as a natural window into an ancient ecosystem, showcasing distinct cross-sections of prehistoric marine life that have been naturally polished or fractured to reveal their internal structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eGeologically, the specimen originates from the Mesozoic Era, likely dating to the Upper Triassic or Lower Jurassic periods. They were formed as part of the massive carbonate platforms of the Tethys Ocean, a warm, shallow sea that once covered much of modern-day Europe. Over millions of years, the remains of molluscs and other marine organisms accumulated on the seafloor, were buried under successive layers of sediment, and eventually lithified into the dense, durable limestone seen here. The white crystalline features within the fossils are secondary calcite deposits that filled the voids left by the original shells, a process known as permineralization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eIn this specimen, the fossilised remains appear as distinct cross-sections of ancient marine molluscs embedded within a dense limestone matrix. The fossil signatures primarily display several clear, coiled sections that are indicative of \u003cb data-index-in-node=\"222\" data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003egastropods\u003c\/b\u003e, specifically high-spired varieties common to the Mesozoic Tethyan shelf. These spiralled forms represent a vertical or diagonal \"slice\" through the snail's shell, revealing the internal whorls that have often been replaced by darker minerals or stabilised by the surrounding micritic matrix. The internal structures of these shells have been naturally \"sliced\" by the rock’s cleavage planes, often revealing a bright white core where secondary \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"854\"\u003ecalcite crystals\u003c\/b\u003e precipitated into the hollow chambers of the shells over millions of years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eThis specific sample was collected from the \u003cstrong\u003eVitorog \u003c\/strong\u003emountain range in the Northeastern\/Internal Dinarides, specifically near the Vaganska pećina (Vagan Cave) in the Republika Srpska region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This area is a world-class example of karst topography, where the same fossil-rich limestone has been sculpted by water into vast cave systems. The rugged, unpolished state of these rocks preserves the raw aesthetic of the Dinaric Alps, making them excellent study pieces for palaeontology or unique decorative elements for a geological collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e: Vaganska pećina (Ваганска пећина), Vitorog, Northeastern \/ Internal Dinarides, Dinaric Alps, Republika Srpska, Bosnia \u0026amp; Herzegovina\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRock type\u003c\/strong\u003e: Limestone\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize\u003c\/strong\u003e: ~5(L) x 4(H) x 1-2(W) cm (see scale cube), 44 g\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Frugeo Geology Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52777440674129,"sku":"FRU-LIM-4","price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0885\/9749\/6145\/files\/FRU-LIM-4a.jpg?v=1767914926","url":"https:\/\/frugeo.science\/products\/fru-lim-4","provider":"Frugeo Geology Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}