3.2" Hoploscaphites Nodosus Ammonite - Iridescent Shell

This is a very nice specimen of Hoploscaphities nodosus, from the Pierre Shale of South Dakoka. This uncommon ammonite species is distinctive nodes or bumps on the shell which would have helped to add strength to it. These bumps are nodes are frequently broken off or damaged. This specimen is nicely prepared and has some wonderful iridescence to the shell, that shines with metallic hues to greens and blues.

These 70 million year old ammonites lived when South Dakota was a shallow inland sea. It was found preserved in a concretion that was split open. It then had to be hand prepared to remove the hard rock surrounding it from the shell, a very time consuming task.