Lot 336
Large Ammonite Cut Pair. Ammonites were early mollusks that somewhat resembled an octopus or squid living within a protective shell and are the closest relative to the chambered nautilus which still exists today. This specimen contains both halves of a large 7.75 inch in diameter 110 million year old ammonite, Cleoniceras from the large island of Madagascar. This ammonite has been cut in half and polished to reveal the detail and beauty of the inner chambers. Ammonites started growing in the small center and added chambers spiraling outward as they grew. The living animal lived only in the last large chamber and the inner chambers were airtight and could be filled with water or air by the living ammonite using its tube-like Siphuncle to move up or down in the water.
The beautiful large 7.75 inch ammonite has inner chambers filled with various hues of colored calcite, some chambers still partially open with yellow or brown calcite crystals inside and a couple of chambers filled with gray and even red mud. The unpolished sides show interesting suture patterns as well as some of the original mother of pearl. Both halves are spectacularly displayed on a 4.5 x 5 inch black metal stand.
Add $15 for domestic shipping.
Estimated Value $400 - 500.
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| Realized $646 |
