This keychain depicts a fossil-bearing rock from a formation which was created at the time of the famous Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event. This event, also known as the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) extinction, is most well known for the sudden disappearance of the non-avian dinosaurs, but a wide range of organisms was impacted, including such large and ancient lineages as the ammonites.

The layers of this articulating keychain tell the story of Western North America from 70 to 65 million years ago as exemplified by such famous locales as Hell Creek, Lance Creek, and the Two Medicine Formation. As you advance through the layers, you can observe the changing flora and fauna as the land uplifts and dries, and then is subjected to the great K-Pg event!

Three of the layers are finished in antiqued pewter, but the layer representing the time of the extinction event is finished in antiqued bronze. This contrasting finish represents the abnormal abundance of Iridium and other rare elements which was our first clue that a meteor impact may have played a role in the demise of the Dinosaurs.

Cast in pewter
Dimensions: 3.0 cm high x 2.4 cm wide x 1.0 cm thick
Weight: 31.5 Grams