Ammonite Specimens 37 items

Most fossil collectors do have an ammonite in their collection.

Ammonites, named after Egyptian God Ammon, the Egyptian God of life and reproduction, As like a ram’s head.

 There are many classification of ammonites and start from the Devonian period, some 415 million years ago to 240 million years ago.

Many collectors do not realize this ammonite shell contained squid like marine creature with a sharp Neck and long tentacles to catch small fish and crustaceans.

The ammonite shell was so unique the animal used the air chambers inside to rise and sink in the water and to propel itself by squirting water .The interior chambers can be seen when specimens are sliced open revealing internal structures to pump and siphon air and to propel in the water at reasonable speed to catch their prey.

Canadian ammonites have good reputation due to the brilliant effervescent rainbow colours that are formed through oxidation. They are considered as a national treasure of Canada and are amongst the world’s most expensive ammonites.

Madagascar ammonites are formed mostly as iridescent red fire on dark brown shell to iridescent shine on ivory base. Good specimens also have fern pattern which are popular with collectors.

Moroccan ammonites are formed in very hard black basalt and this makes it hard to dig out so most are cut out with electric hand tools or in soft grey shale and these have no colour.

Indonesian ammonites are different in that the shell is white colour with brown inclusion shell like formation.

British ammonites are formed in pyrite and very metallic appearance.

Ammonite pairs are the specimen cut into two pieces to expose the air chambers, large specimens make ideal displays and smaller ones do end up on females for they are re made into unique fossil earrings.