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Ammonite – a natural fossil with a spiral shell
Number of products : 63What is an ammonite?
Ammonites are extinct marine cephalopods belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea, which lived from the Devonian to the end of the Cretaceous period, approximately 400–66 million years ago. Their iconic spiral shells make them one of the most recognizable fossils worldwide.
Ammonite shells were originally composed mainly of aragonite (CaCO3), which often recrystallized into calcite during diagenetic processes. Internal chambers separated by septa served to regulate buoyancy, reflecting the biological complexity of these organisms.
Origin and occurrence of ammonites
Ammonite fossils are found on nearly every continent. Notable sources include:
- Morocco – extensive Jurassic and Cretaceous deposits,
- Madagascar – large and visually striking specimens,
- Germany and France – classic paleontological localities,
- Canada – ammonites with preserved iridescent aragonite (ammolite).
Uses of ammonites
Ammonites are used in:
- artistic and bespoke jewelry,
- private fossil collections,
- geological and educational displays,
- natural interior decoration.
Scientific significance
From a geological perspective, ammonites are important index fossils used in biostratigraphy to date sedimentary rock layers. Their rapid evolutionary changes and wide distribution make them essential for reconstructing the geological history of the Mesozoic era.
