Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Iridescent Ammonite Fossil

About the Item

Large spectacular iridescent ammonite fossil. 75 Million y/o A magnificent example of one of the most spectacular fossils. A large and intensely vibrant ammonite, Placenticeras costatum, from the Bearpaw formation, Alberta, Canada, dating to the late Cretaceous period, around 75 million years before present. The surface of this long extinct marine creature has transformed over millennia into a dazzling, iridescent gemstone, its colours shifting in the light from vivid reds to emerald greens, to flickers of orange and gold, purples and brilliant blues. This effect is a natural result of the fossilisation process, a unique phenomenon only found on ammonites recovered from this location. The ammonite, an extinct branch of the mollusc family, related to the modern octopus, takes its name from an ancient belief, recorded by Pliny the Elder, that their fossilised remains were in fact the horns of the ram-horned Egyptian god Ammon, which would bring good fortune to the owner. Most fossils of this kind are heavily restored or pastiches, and their colour is often artificially enhanced with varnishes. This example is completely preserved, with its unrestored original surface - a superb piece of natural history. Most fossils of this kind are heavily restored or pastiches and their colour is artificially enhanced with varnishes. This is a completely preserved, natural piece with original surface. Mounted on a bespoke bronze base. Measures : Diameter: 42 cm. Height with stand: 47 cm Provenance: Discovered in the Blood Reserve, Alberta, Canada.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 16.54 in (42 cm)Diameter: 16.54 in (42 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 75 Million y/o
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    London, GB
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 428451stDibs: LU1052232892802

More From This Seller

View All
Petrified Incense Cedar Wood Fossil
Located in London, GB
This spectacular cross section of petrified cedar wood comes from Saddle Mountain, Washington. It is remarkably large with a wonderful and highly aesthetic shape, exhibiting vibrant ...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Natural Specimens

Materials

Petrified Wood

Tyrannosaurus Rex Tooth in Fossil Matrix
Located in London, GB
Tyrannosaurus Rex Tooth in Fossil Matrix. Late Cretaceous, circa 65 Million years before present. Lance Formation, Marchant Ranch Quarry, Niobrara County, Wy...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Natural Specimens

Materials

Other

Large Leaf Fossil from the Green River Formation
Located in London, GB
A large and beautifully preserved fossilised leaf from the Green River formation, a site which has brought forth some of the best-preserved fossi...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier North American Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Other

Complete Slice of Imilac Meteorite
Located in London, GB
This complete cross-sectional slice from the Imilac meteorite has been prepared to reveal shimmering olivine and peridot gems embedded in an iron-nick...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Natural Specimens

Materials

Other

Large Chondrite Meteorite with Regmaglypts
Located in London, GB
NWA 12759 Stone, Chondrite - L5 18.3 KG “This specimen of the NWA 12759 L5 chondrite has a smooth posterior fusion crust where meteoritic melt pooled as the rock descended through the atmosphere and was heated by friction with molecules of air. The meteorite is from the L-chondrite asteroid that was destroyed by an energetic collision 470 million years ago.” Dr Alan E. Rubin, PhD Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences, UCLA Detached from its parent body by a mighty impact, this large, oriented meteorite travelled over a hundred million miles through space before falling to Earth in the North African desert. Beautiful regmaglypts radiate from the apex of its cone shaped nose. These elongated dimples formed when streaks of superheated molten rock streamed off the meteor’s surface as it blazed through the atmosphere. The entire piece is coated in a glossy, umber-coloured fusion crust and close examination reveals remnants of encrusted, orange dirt. Whilst most meteors tumble as they travel through the Earth’s atmosphere, oriented meteorites...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Moroccan Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone

Vitrified Lightning Bolt
Located in London, GB
An Extraordinarily well preserved specimen of Fulgurite Tubular Lechatetierite Formation date unknown, recovered from the Sahara Desert, Algeria, ...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Algerian Natural Specimens

Materials

Glass

Vitrified Lightning Bolt
$22,000
Free Shipping

You May Also Like

Opalised Iridescent Ammonite Fossil
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A complete prehistoric Cleoniceras opalised iridescent ammonite fossil, originating from Madagascar, presented on an exclusive muse...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Natural Specimens

Materials

Shell

Large Red Iridescent Ammonite Fossil
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A large red iridescent ammonite fossil dating from the late cretaceous period (100.5 – 66 million years ago). This huge plancenticeras ammonite is approximately 16 inches tall and has an iridescent lustre that showcases a vibrant red hue. Once a living creature, this ammonite has developed its red iridescent lustre over millions of years of compression, transforming into a striking gemstone. A rare find. Provenance: From the fascinating collection of Gordon Walkden (1944-2022), emeritus Professor of Geology at Aberdeen University. Affectionally known as Aberdeen’s answer to Indiana Jones, Walkden contributed enormously to research through his papers and talks on British marbles, minerals and fossils...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone

Fossil Agate Coral with Iridescent Ammonites
By Interi
Located in Dublin, Dalkey
Fossil agate coral adorned with iridescent fossil ammonites. The grey piece of fossil agate coral is cut and polished and adorned with the iridescent...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Organic Modern Natural Specimens

Materials

Agate, Coral

An Ammonite Fossil
Located in Schellebelle, BE
A beautiful Ammonite Fossil, this extinct invertebrates marine animal lived 160 million years ago, beautiful patina and shine of the stone, beautiful array of colors, very decorative...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Natural Specimens

Materials

Sandstone

An Ammonite Fossil
Located in Schellebelle, BE
A beautiful Ammonite Fossil, this extinct invertebrates marine animal lived 160 million years ago, beautiful patina and shine of the stone, beautiful array of colors, very decorative...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Malagasy Natural Specimens

Materials

Sandstone

Collection of 7 Ammonite Fossils
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A superb set of 7 ancient prehistoric ammonite fossils presented on our small turned painted plaster bases. This group showcases ammonites of varyi...
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Natural Specimens

Materials

Stone

Recently Viewed

View All