This Douvilleiceras Ammonite:
Weight - 8.6 ounces
Length - 3.25 inches
Height - 2.75 inches
Width at mouth - 1.75 inches
Douvilleiceras is a genus of ammonites from the Middle to Late Cretaceous. Its fossils have been found worldwide, in Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. This Douvilleiceras Ammonia from the east African island nation of Madagascar is one of the finest. It is covered in an opalescent off-white layer. Peaking through this layer like mountain peaks through snow are the 'horns' or the 'treads' of the animal. The underlying area of caramel mineralization also reveals intense detail of the oak leaf suturing of these highly evolved, ancient sea creatures. The common name 'Tractor' is from its resemblance to heavy treads on the tires of farming equipment.
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 Madagascar and dates from the Early Cretaceous period, Albian stage (~100 to 113 million years ago).
Without a doubt ammonites and nautiloids are favorite fossils. The opalescent layer is beautiful and polished. 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.