From Stardust to Seaway to Ice Age
About Concretionites.com
Our Research on Concretionites in the Cheyenne River Basin of Central South Dakota
At Concretionites.com, recent discoveries show a link between meteorite impacts within the Cretaceous age Pierre Seaway of South Dakota, and large concretion formation in the Seaway over a 12-million-year period. Four scientifically dated impact sites, within the Western Interior Seaway, have been age correlated to match four large septarian concretion and fossil ball horizons exposed along the shale banks of Elk Creek, a tributary of the Cheyenne River Basin of Central South Dakota.
Concretionites
Concretionites are a unique type of septarian concretion formed and/or influenced by the energy generated from meteorite impacts, including shock waves and seafloor scouring tsunamis.
The Pierre Seaway 73.5 million years ago
The Pierre Seaway was a warm shallow sea teaming with marine life. Plankton and algae were abundant, and large kelp forests provided for a diverse food chain consisting of Mollusks, Fishes, swimming Reptiles, and marine Birds.
About Concretionites.com
The Litchfield's
The Litchfield's
The Litchfield's
Concretionites.com, was founded in 2024 by the Litchfield's, who have been collecting and sharing research quality fossil and mineral bearing septarian concretions in the Pierre Seaway, for over 40 years. TheNaughtyNautilus.com.
Our Passion
The Litchfield's
The Litchfield's
Don Litchfield has a B.S in Geological Engineering from the SD School of Mines & Technology, Rapid City, South Dakota. Don has been providing research quality specimens to museums, institutions and fellow enthusiasts since 1982.
Prep Lab
The Litchfield's
Prep Lab
We have two prep lab locations, one on Elk Creek, the other in Jacksonville, Oregon. We provide a wide range of services including, fossil and mineral field assessments, collecting and preparation, and geological mapping.
Discover Concretionites.com
Fossil Ball Concretionites
Mineral bearing Concretionites
Mineral bearing Concretionites
Research in 2022 provided the link between meteorite impacts and fossil ball concretionites. Known dates of several impact sites matched known Ammonite and Inoceramus Zone ages found well preserved within the concretionites.
Mineral bearing Concretionites
Mineral bearing Concretionites
Mineral bearing Concretionites
The largest Concretionite Zone overlaps the mineralization zone. Barium from the ancient volcanic ash, and calcium from the calcareous shale, have been mobilized and precipitated within the concretionites during the last Ice Age.
Placenticeras Concretionites
Mineral bearing Concretionites
Placenticeras Concretionites
The large Placenticeras Zone dated at 73 myo, sets at the lower boundary of the Verendrye Formation and upper boundary of the DeGrey Formation, both part of the extensive Pierre Shale Group of Formations deposited over a 12 my period.
We are currently seeking a Research & Exhibit Sponsor
Discovery Excursions
Exhibits & Collections
Research Oppurtunites
By studying these Concretionites, their size and fossilized contents, we can literally piece together a detailed picture of those fateful impacts 70 mya and their aftermath. This knowledge not only enriches our understanding of Earth's history but also helps us better prepare for potential future meteorite impacts including climate change.
Research Oppurtunites
Exhibits & Collections
Research Oppurtunites
While these known impacts are an awe-inspiring testament to the power of cosmic collisions, they are but a few of Earth's many impact events. Each of these impacts tells a unique story about our ancient Seaway and the forces that have shaped it. Research gives deeper appreciation for the role of celestial events in our planet's evolution.
Exhibits & Collections
Exhibits & Collections
Exhibits & Collections
Our goal is to provide a "one of a kind - first time" Exhibit of the various Concretionite Zones we find on Elk Creek. Each type of Concretionite displayed in a manner beneficial for not only scientific discovery, but also for show casing the amazing beauty and artistry of the many seaway species and mineral formations that evolved over time.
Our Affiliate Websites
TheNaughtyNautilus.com
TheTalentGallery.art & Wine Room
TheTalentGallery.art & Wine Room
TheNaughtyNautilus.com was founded by Don Litchfield who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from South Dakota Tech in Rapid City, SD. Don and his family have been collecting Golden Barite on Elk Creek, South Dakota and Western Interior Seaway Ammonites and other Cephalopods for over 40 years, leading to the recent Concretionite genesis discovery.
TheTalentGallery.art & Wine Room
TheTalentGallery.art & Wine Room
TheTalentGallery.art & Wine Room
Visit our new Gallery location in downtown Talent, Oregon. See our new discoveries, and fossil and mineral specimens. Enjoy tasting local wines and culinary delights as you casually tour the Gallery and learn about the many passions of our member Artists. Achieving the impact of art through natural mineral & fossil specimens is the goal, not a competition, but a convergence.
CollectorsEdge.com
TheTalentGallery.art & Wine Room
CollectorsEdge.com
The "Best of the Best" of our Golden Barite and Calcite specimens are available at the Collectors Edge Show Room in Golden, Colorado. Their Team of seasoned experts have a combined 200+ years of fine mineral collecting and preparing experience. Developing a strong relationship with a knowledgeable mineral dealer can be of enormous benefit to any level of collector.