Fossils have been a passion of mine since childhood, when I discovered my first specimens in the gravel of a garden in Spain and in my own village. That early curiosity grew into years of exploration, study, and travel. Over the decades, I’ve searched for fossils across Madagascar, North America, France and other parts of Europe, always seeking to combine the excitement of discovery with a deep understanding of the science behind each specimen.
One of my earliest adventures took place on a rainy early spring day in Touraine, France. After hours of searching through chalky outcrops without success, I was about to give up. Just as I moved the last limestone block from a cliff, a rare ammonite appeared, clinging unexpectedly to the rock. That moment, discovering something so remarkable after long effort, captured the thrill of fossil collecting and reminds me why this pursuit has been a lifelong passion.
Another memorable chapter of my fieldwork took place in Menabe, Madagascar. To reach a remote fossiliferous area, I travelled in an ox cart along narrow gravel tracks, moving at a pace so slow it felt as though the palms and grassland remained almost still around us. The heat was dry, the landscape wide and quiet. I stayed for three days in a small village with no electricity or running water, where people welcomed me with genuine kindness. Someone offered me their own bed, and the villagers were amused to see me eat fruit while they lived almost entirely on rice. Life followed the rhythm of daylight, simple and peaceful. Each morning I set out into the savanna with local guides to search for ammonites and to follow in the footsteps of a French military officer and palaeontologist who had once worked in the region. We walked for kilometres across open land, communicating without a common language yet understanding each other instinctively, especially when it was time to stop for the day. The variety of ammonites we found, in many shapes and species, revealed the richness of this untamed landscape. Those days in Menabe left a lasting mark on me. The remoteness, the natural beauty, and the quiet connection to the land made me realise how much I value the wild and how deeply I want my work to remain close to nature.
Authenticity is the foundation of everything we do. Fossils hold a unique place in human imagination: they are physical traces of ancient worlds, survivors of geological time, and windows into life that existed millions of years before our own. Real fossils tell a story no imitation can match. Treating our customers with respect begins with ensuring that every specimen we handle is genuine.
Our commitment to authenticity extends to transparency. Each fossil’s provenance, geological formation, and preparation process are carefully documented, and we select only specimens that meet strict standards for quality, clarity, and minimal restoration. Verification is an essential part of this process: we examine every specimen’s features and context to confirm its origin. Some fossils are prepared in-house using advanced tools, and all are photographed to provide buyers with the clearest view before purchase.
Our specialties include Moroccan trilobites, ammonites, Eocene gastropods, but we also offer a wide range of fossils and minerals from around the world. We work closely with trusted partners in Morocco and Madagascar, who themselves collect from experienced field workers using traditional tools, ensuring the provenance and integrity of every specimen.
All fossils come with a lifetime guarantee of authenticity, and every order is packed with the utmost care.
At Gondwana Fossils, we combine professionalism, scientific expertise, and a love of discovery. Whether you are a serious collector, a museum curator, or someone seeking a beautiful and authentic piece for display, we want your experience with us to be clear, enjoyable, and memorable.
F. H. Diebold
