300 samples of ancient fossils

Hoang Thanh (Dak Lak) owns a collection of over 300 fossils dating back 203 - 175 million years. Archaeologists value this as the largest personal fossil collection in the Central Highlands.

In 2008, archaeologists once discovered the fossil of early Jura (Ammonitida) fossil (203 - 175 million years ago) in an ancient tomb about 2,000 years old in the Central Highlands. And recently, archaeologists have access to a large and impressive collection of fossil samples. These fossils are displayed in the campus of nearly 1,000m ² at the Bell Da coffee shop, 599 Le Duan street, Ban Me Thuot city (Dak Lak), decorated with art installations, combining heritage other culture of the Central Highlands people.

Display shelves of fossil samples.Photo: Nguyen Huu Hung

Two scalloped fossil specimens.Photo: Nguyen Huu Hung

This collection contains over 300 samples of many varieties, species belonging to the set of Daisies, Classes of two pieces of Shells, Plants of Ferns; There is early - middle and late Jurassic age. Some fossilized stone fossils have a diameter of 30-40cm; wood fossils consist mainly of silicated wood or 20 - 30cm in diameter to 50 - 60cm; from 30 - 40cm to 1.5 - 2m long; collected in Ban Don and Ea Sup regions of Dak Lak.

In addition, there are also sets of stone, axes, stone and jewelry of the Central Highlands. In particular, in the collection of fossil rock (granite), like a round log, sucked two ends, when knocking, it made a sound like a bell. This stone is named 'Rock Bell', also the name of the cafe.

Archaeologists assess that this is the largest personal paleontological collection in the Central Highlands. Currently, only Geological Museum No. 6 Pham Ngu Lao, Hanoi and No. 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ho Chi Minh City have preserved and exhibited the geological heritage. Most of the local museums of the provinces, cities or museums are representative of the absence of geological heritage.

Geological values ​​are not only meaningful in terms of science and education but also play an important role in the national economy. It provides knowledge and type of minerals for the mineral industry. Therefore, archaeologists highly appreciated Hoang Thanh's collection, as well as the effort he had spent on collecting this fossil collection.