Arthropod track, Triassig age

Arthropod Tracks from the German Bunter:

In the Buntsandstein of Miltenberg (Middle Buntsandstein), rare and characteristic tracks of arthropods can be found, left behind on what was once a moist, muddy surface.

These traces mostly originate from invertebrates that inhabited the river landscapes and periodically drying floodplains of that time. They appear as paired rows of dots or lines, referred to as Diplichnites. These were caused by prehistoric millipedes or other multi-legged arthropods.

Geological Context in Miltenberg

• Formation: The finds originate from the Middle Buntsandstein (e.g., Calvörde Formation or the local "Dickbank" sandstone).
• Preservation: The tracks are preserved as positive reliefs (natural casts) on the underside of sandstone slabs. This occurred when fine footprints in the mud were filled and preserved by a sudden influx of sand (e.g., during a flood event).
• Sites: Classic localities were quarries such as those of the Wassum or Zeller companies, which are now defunct or inaccessible.

The specimen offered here clearly shows three trackways of early arthropods. It is an old find from Miltenberg am Main. The size of the stone is approximately 27 x 12 x 2 cm. The slab is unbroken and remains without any manipulations.
The tracks were elaborately prepared; a layer of clay had to be carefully removed to expose the trackways on the sandstone.

A rarely offered piece – there are only a few old finds in collections, and new finds are no longer possible.

SOLD