Green River Formation Collection

The Green River Formation of the the US midwest is a celebrated Eocene "lagerstätte" - a deposit that produces fossil specimens with exceptionally detailed preservation. Since the 1870’s, the quarries in Kemmerer, Wyoming have yielded a great number of spectacular vertebrate, invertebrate and plant fossils. Fifty million years ago, this... Read More

The Green River Formation of the the US midwest is a celebrated Eocene "lagerstätte" - a deposit that produces fossil specimens with exceptionally detailed preservation. Since the 1870’s, the quarries in Kemmerer, Wyoming have yielded a great number of spectacular vertebrate, invertebrate and plant fossils. Fifty million years ago, this region was a thriving subtropical ecosystem, home to a plethora of fish, turtles, lizards, snakes, birds, mammals, insects, palms and flowers. Wonderful examples of the local fossilized flora and fauna can be seen at the Fossil Butte National Monument, a fantastic natural history museum.

A large number of common Green River Formation fish are quarried each year; whereas, in contrast, many fish species are rarely found. For example, Knightia and Diplomystus are surprisingly common (though truly exceptional specimens remain rare); while the gars, paddlefish and several others are scarce.

Reptiles such as lizards and snakes, as well as prehistoric mammals and birds, are considered extreme rarities and are often deemed scientifically significant. Complete palms and palm flowers are rarely found - considering their beauty, size and rarity, it’s no surprise that they are highly sought after by collectors and designers.

Fossil Realm offers a number of incredible plant and fish specimens from "Fossil Lake" - beautifully presented and ready for wall-hanging. Stand out pieces include a large fossil palm frond (72” x 70” matrix), superb palm flower (inflorescence), and a mortality plaque with a "shoal" of 31 fish. Additionally, we have a diverse selection of fossil murals, including several large and breathtaking 3-panel murals (triptychs), each featuring multiple species of fish.