"Gem" Ammonite in Matrix. Placenticeras costatum. Late Cretaceous. Bearpaw Formation. Alberta, Canada. ...

Description

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

With a Certificate of Authenticity that serves to confirm its legal exportation from Canada where "Gem" Ammonites are considered veritable national treasures, this spectacular specimen explodes with bursts of color. This uniquely preserved Ammonite shell has fossilized in such a way it is now also a gemstone, known as Ammolite, which comes exclusively from the Bearpaw Formation. This exquisite and colorful example of prehistoric marine cephalopod lived at the time of the dinosaurs in the Cretaceous oceans. The matrix specimen features the fossil, measuring over 10 inches (25 cm) centrally positioned on the black shale matrix, has been fitted with a metal cleat system for wall hanging. A spacer accompanies the offering to ensure ease of installation. This superb example of the costatum variety features a shell with nice inflation of the outer part of the shell and exceptional color ranging from more common gold and green to rarer blue and purple. Several sediment-filled holes are visible on the slick shell's surface, which could be indicative of bite marks of a Mosasaur, known to have preyed on shelled cephalopods.
Overall Measurements: 20.28 x 15.35 x 2.56 inches (51.50 x 39.00 x 6.50 cm)

[Scale: 1 inch, with mark at 1 cm]

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