"Gem" Ammonite Fossil. Placenticeras costatum. Late Cretaceous. Bearpaw Formation. Alberta, Canada. ... (Total: 2 Item)

Description

"Gem" Ammonite Fossil
Placenticeras costatum
Late Cretaceous
Bearpaw Formation
Alberta, Canada

"Gem" Ammonites from the Bearpaw Formation in Alberta, Canada, are quite popular, due to the unbelievable manner in which they are preserved. The fossilized shells display a surreal, colorful appearance that is visually hard to comprehend as natural. Classified a 'gemstone' since 1981 by the World Jewellery Confederation, such Ammolite is not just fossil material. Limited mining gives the market a number of these beautiful fossil cephalopods every year, but examples of the highest quality are quite a rarity. Measuring 9 inches (23 cm) at maximum diameter, this specimen is by no means small, but it is the unquestionably superlative vivid coloration and excellent shape that put this example among the top echelon of any Ammonite. The coverage of vibrant hues including reds, oranges, golds, and greens as well as rarer blues and purples, is virtually complete, over both of the glossy surfaces. The polished stunner is quite inflated and rather textural. Simply beautiful visually, this representation, dating back some 71 million years ago, was collected in the Summer 2000. Exhibiting an amazing iridescence, this Placenticeras costatum was mined free of any matrix. Both sides of the fossil could arguably be considered the primary display face, and this is one of the very best of the variety in this size range likely to be seen in any collection and, certainly, for sale. This is a consummate example of why such "Gem" Ammonites are precious Canadian national treasures. This specimen #35(602) comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and a dark wooden easel for display.
Measurements: 9.06 x 7.48 x 1.45 inches (23.00 x 19.00 x 3.68 cm)

More Information: The accompanying image is an artistic interpretation, based on knowledge from the fossil record and ancillary factors, of the potential appearance of the above extinct animal. Please note the rendering does not accompany the Lot.


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