Iridescent Ammonite in Matrix, 11.25"

This extraordinary Canadian ammonite displays a radiant spectrum of deep red, fiery orange, luminous gold, emerald green, and even flashes of rare blue and violet. Encased in shale matrix, this specimen captures the breathtaking beauty of one of Earth’s rarest gemstones — ammolite  

Ammolite, an opal-like gemstone, is found exclusively in Alberta’s Upper Cretaceous Bearpaw Formation, nestled just east of the Rocky Mountains. Prized for its intense coloration and lustrous sheen, complete specimens of this caliber are exceptionally rare and highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike.

Belonging to the Cephalopod class, a lineage that includes modern octopuses and squids, ammonites thrived in ancient oceans for over 400 million years, vanishing alongside the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. These free-floating invertebrates were pursued by formidable marine predators like plesiosaurs and mosasaurs, relying on their rapid buoyancy control to evade attacks, zigzagging through the water and plunging swiftly to escape.

This exceptional specimen is a vibrant, ancient masterpiece, offering a glimpse into the dynamic marine world of the Cretaceous.

TAXONOMY 

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Ammonitida
• Family: Placenticeratidae
• Genus: Placenticeras
• Species: Placenticeras costatum

GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT

• Formation: Bearpaw Formation
• Location: Southern Alberta, Canada 
• Age: Late Cretaceous (71 million years old)

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 

• Dimensions: 11.25" (28.6 cm) diameter in a natural rock matrix that measures approximately 22" x 19" x 2" (55.9 cm x 48.3 cm x 5.1 cm)
• Wall hanging cleat backing included 

Registration Number 2(1122)

Available for Canadian customers only