5.1" Polished Ammonite Pair - Agatized With Pyrite

Here is an gorgeous cut and polished Cleoniceras ammonite fossil quarried near Mahajanga Province, Madagascar. It's Early Cretaceous (Albian Stage) in age, or approximately 110 million years old. One interesting aspect of this specimen is it has a significant amount of pyrite replacements. Less than 1% of the ammonites from this location have pyrite replacement.

It exhibits beautiful mineralization within the chambers, each separated by white calcite scepta (divisions). Some of the chambers are preserved as crystal lined pockets. The reverse side has a very beautiful, mother of pearl look to it. This highly polished, exotic ammonite makes a superb display piece with tremendous historical appeal.

About Ammonites

Ammonites were ancient marine cephalopods, similar to today's squids and octopuses, but with a defining feature: their distinctive, tightly coiled spiral shells. These shells, resembling those of modern nautiluses, served as both a protective home and a buoyancy aid, allowing ammonites to navigate the prehistoric seas with ease. First emerging around 240 million years ago in the Triassic Period, ammonites thrived for over 175 million years, adapting through numerous forms and sizes. As predatory creatures, they likely fed on smaller marine organisms, using their tentacles to capture prey. However, their long reign came to an end 65 million years ago at the close of the Cretaceous, coinciding with the mass extinction event that also eliminated the dinosaurs.

What an ammonite would have looked like while alive.
What an ammonite would have looked like while alive.
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DETAILS
SPECIES
Cleoniceras
LOCATION
Ambatolafia, Mahajanga Province, Madagascar
SIZE
5.1" wide (Each)
ITEM
#79701
GUARANTEE
We guarantee the authenticity of all of our specimens.