Available for sale today is a cut and polished pair of Cleoniceras Ammonite fossil. It is 102 - 110 million years from the Cretaceous of Mahajanga Madagascar. The fossil was divided to reveal the exquisite inner chambers of the shell.
Ammonite fossils are known for their remarkable internal chambers, which are a defining feature of their spiral-shaped shells. These chambers, often referred to as septa, are created by a series of dividing walls called sutures.
During the life of an ammonite, as it grew and added new shell material, it would continuously move forward into larger chambers, leaving the previously occupied chambers behind. The septa, which are complexly folded and intricately patterned, separate these chambers from each other. The intricate nature of the septa is what makes them particularly fascinating to paleontologists and collectors.
The internal chambers of ammonite fossils will be filled over time with various materials such as sedimentary fillings, crystalline fillings, or calcified segments:
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Crystalline Fillings: Certain ammonite fossils may have their chambers filled with crystalline materials such as quartz, calcite, or pyrite. These crystals can form when mineral-rich fluids seep into the empty spaces of the chambers over time. The result is a sparkling and often colorful display within the fossil.
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Sedimentary Fillings: Sediment can also accumulate within the chambers of ammonite fossils. This can occur when the ammonite shell settles on the seafloor or in a sedimentary environment after the animal's death. Over time, fine-grained sediment, such as silt or clay particles, can enter the chambers and become compacted, forming sedimentary infillings. These infillings can preserve delicate details and textures within the chambers.
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Calcified Segments: Another intriguing occurrence is the presence of calcified segments within the ammonite chambers. These segments are often formed by mineral precipitation or deposition, which can create structures resembling intricate branching patterns or delicate mineral growths. These calcified segments can be composed of various minerals, including calcium carbonate.
The presence of these infillings and calcified segments adds an extra layer of visual appeal and complexity to ammonite fossils. They provide additional clues about the fossilization process and the environmental conditions in which the ammonite lived. Moreover, these features can make each ammonite fossil unique and visually striking, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Stand is not included.
Dimensions:
• Approximate weight: One half is 450 grams and the other is 500 grams
• Approximate width: 6 inches 5/8 both of them
Notes:
• If you are interested in selling something similar - we buy, one item or an entire collection, please contact us (https://worldclassantiques.com/contact.aspx).