Lot 286
North America, South Dakota, U.S. badlands, Fox Hills formation, Late Cretaceous, 100.5 to 66 millions of years old. A large grey rock embedded with a magnificent Sphenodiscus ammonite with a characteristically smooth outer surface and complex suture (growth lines) - amazingly intricate patterns in hues of honey ambers, browns, and creamy whites. A fabulous fossil from the North American continent of a wonderful form that has been streamlined and compressed with overlapping whorls and a petite umbilicus. This main fossil is surrounded by a matrix of white and grey shells. All together, an outstanding ensemble that would make the perfect addition to any fossil marine life collection. An absolute beauty on Mother Nature's design! Size: 2.75" L x 7.5" W x 4.75" H (7 cm x 19 cm x 12.1 cm)
The term ammonite was derived from the Egyptian god called Ammon (Amun) who is generally depicted with ram's horns behind each of his ears. The ancient Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, author of the encyclopedic tome Naturalis Historia, originally dubbed these fossils ammonis cornua (horns of Ammon). Ammonites like most cephalopods were carnivorous prehistoric creatures with sharp jaws within a ring of tentacles that extended from their shells to capture prey. As they grew, ammonites constantly built their shells, only living in the outermost chamber.
Provenance: Ex Peter Arnovick Collection, Los Altos CA
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#112171
- Condition: Old tiny chips to upper periphery of sphenodiscus. Overall excellent.
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