#nerdalert
Just a warning that the following post is probably best consumed by those who like rocks.
The stratotype (international type/reference section) for the Lutetien stage of the Eocene Epoch (40-48 mya) is actually in the catacombs of Paris … honestly, how cool is that!?! The middle Lutetien section was historically used as building stone in much of the Gothic monuments/buildings. It is more generally referred to as “Paris Stone.” I will admit I took all the Notre Dame photos before I understood how they all fit in!
Cecily had no idea she was going to be hitting all of these geology hot spots! I am calling her a GIT which is APEGA’s legal term for a geologist in training.
Me and the type section!! The middle section “Banc de Souchet” is the Paris Stone the quarries were after
Campanile giganteum was common in the Lutetian , this is of course a cast that was strapped to the table
I just loved this sample of the Lower Lutetien because of the huge Nummulites laevigatus forams you can see on top – they are huge!
Notre Dame Cathedral is built entirely of Paris stone … including all its famous gargoyles
A Notre Dame gargoyle – you can see all of the shell fragments are raised
some amazing beautiful molds from leached gastropods
textbook gastropods molds in building stone on Notre Dame
Maps & Flip Flops 