Elrathia is a genus of ptychopariid trilobite that lived during the Middle Cambrian period. They are incredibly common and popular among beginning fossil collectors, typically found as distinct, flattened impressions within the dark, soft Wheeler Shale of Utah.
Transparency
Opaque
Often found alongside elrathia
Minerals reported to co-occur with elrathia. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Decorative
- Host rock
- Sedimentary Shale
- Typical price
- $5-50 per specimen
Where rockhounds find elrathia
Classic worldwide localities
- Wheeler Shale, Utah, USA
- House Range, Utah, USA
Field-hunting tip
Look in sedimentary shale country — that is the host setting where elrathia typically forms. If you start seeing calcite, shale in float, you are in the right ground.
Common questions
Where is elrathia found?+
Notable localities include Wheeler Shale, Utah, USA; House Range, Utah, USA.
How much is elrathia worth?+
Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.
What minerals are found with elrathia?+
Elrathia commonly co-occurs with calcite, shale. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.
What kind of rock does elrathia form in?+
Elrathia typically forms in sedimentary shale. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is elrathia used for?+
Elrathia is used in collector, decorative.
Find elrathia on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
