Mahajanga, Madagascar
Dimensions
1.75"/45mm approximately
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Madagascan Cleoniceras Ammonite Opal & Red Iridescence - NA0014 |
| £15.00 |
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Description
This is beautiful Madagascan Ammonite gem, with highly Opal & Red Iridescence [Rainbow Iridescence]. Semi-polished, high lustre with partial suture patterning visible, good size type specimen.
The image is of one Specimen at different angles
Brief History
Ammonites, part of the Ammonitida [order], Ammonoidea [sub class], Cephalopoda [class], of marine invertebrates were fascinating and believed to be aggressive creatures, with their extremely large eyes they could easily hunt at night or at great depth where little or no light penetrates the deep oceans. The Cephalopod would grab its prey in their grappling tentacles, prey such as other crustaceans and fish, much as the persisting modern day Nautilus Pompilius [Emperor Nautilus], which swims the Pacific. Off the Great Barrier reef at a depth of between 200-400m sightings of Nautilus were made. Showing the pressures these Cephalopods can attain. The Ammonites extinction was around 74 mya, pre the great mass extinction of around 65 mya, at the end of the Cretaceous Period which ended the rule of the dinosaurs. Ammonites are very important Index Fossils, it is often possible to link the sediment layer in which they are found to specific geological time periods. The largest ammonite found to date was around 2.5m diameter and was found in Germany. Ammonite, Named [by the Greek ancients Ammon], after the Egyptian God deity Amun, with his ram horn ears, similar to the concentrically formed Ammonite shell. Closet modern relatives [subclass Coleoidea], octopus, squid, and cuttlefish.
Genus
Cleoniceras besairei sp.
Geological age
Approximately 112mya, Albion Cretaceous [Cretaceous period 135-65 mya]
Location
Mahajanga,Madagascar
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