This Cleoniceras Ammonite:
Weight - 8 ounces
Length - 4 inches
Width - 3 inches
Width at mouth - 1 inches
This Cleoniceras Ammonite from the east African island nation of Madagascar is in superb condition with skilled handling bringing it to this point. The oak leaf sutures are very intricate and detailed. The opening and mouth has been cleaned of matrix to reveal magnificent, undamaged detail, including the siphuncle. Many ammonites for sale have their mouths cut flat. Higher quality ammonite like this one have had the sutures of the mouth preserved, yet are no more in price.
The agatized material has replaced the original flesh of this animal down to the molecular level with an outstanding result. This fossil is of high display quality for an office or show case in the home. It also makes a great gift. This ancient sea animal comes from the Mahajanga River Basin, in northwest Madagascar. It dates from the Early Cretaceous period, Albian age (~100 to 113.0 million years ago).
Without a doubt ammonites and nautiloids are my favorite fossils. They are obtainable for us average folk and their beauty is something to behold. The oak leaf sutures are intense, clear and detailed. The sophistication of the form of these fossils is a good indication why they are younger and not 450 million years old. It took millions upon millions of years to evolve this sort of complexity in their chamber designs.
The acrylic stand for exhibiting this ammonite is included.