Calymene is a genus of trilobites commonly found in Silurian and Ordovician marine sedimentary rocks. They are highly prized by collectors for their ability to enroll into a ball-like shape as a defense mechanism, which is frequently preserved in fossil specimens.
Often confused with
Calymene vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside calymene
Minerals reported to co-occur with calymene. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Educational, Display
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Shale and Limestone
- Typical price
- $10-150 depending on preservation and size
Where rockhounds find calymene
Classic worldwide localities
- USA (Ohio)
- USA (Indiana)
- United Kingdom (Dudley)
- Canada (Ontario)
- Morocco
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary shale and limestone country, the host setting where calymene typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, dolomite, pyrite in float, you are in the right ground.
Common questions
Where is calymene found?+
Notable localities include USA (Ohio); USA (Indiana); United Kingdom (Dudley); Canada (Ontario); Morocco.
How much is calymene worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-150 depending on preservation and size. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What rocks look like calymene?+
Calymene is most often confused with Phacops. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What minerals are found with calymene?+
Calymene commonly co-occurs with calcite, dolomite, pyrite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does calymene form in?+
Calymene typically forms in sedimentary shale and limestone. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is calymene used for?+
Calymene is used in collector, educational, display.
Find calymene on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
