Indonesian Caddisfly Agate Slab

This colorful agate is comprised of the fossilized larval cases of the caddisfly (Trichoptera), an insect more closely related to moths and butterflies than to the common house fly. The striking tube-shaped forms encased within the agate mass were easily fossilized due to their original structural durability (as opposed to the soft bodies of the larvae, which rarely ever fossilized). The tube forms were colored golden orange to red by their replacement minerals, and they float within a light blue agate. Another thing that’s noteworthy and unique about this material is that it’s very colorful for a fossil - that coupled with the distinct orbicular and oblong shapes of the larval casings make for an incredibly striking specimen.

This is a rough, unpolished, end cut slab. Please observe images closely for flaws, as some degree of that is normal. Pictured wet and dry.

Approximate measurements:

Weight: 187 grams

Height & Width: 5.5” x 2” at widest points

Depth: 0.62” to 0.3”

General info: Rough Rock Slabs