Ammonite Kosmoceras Trio on Base

These unusual fossil shells are all found in the same ares in conjunction with several other types of ammonites. The Kosmoceras can be smooth or bumpy on the exterior shell and sometimes the shell comes off, leaving an iron pyrite layer underneath.

Ammonites were free-swimming mollusks of the ancient oceans, living around the same time that the dinosaurs walked the Earth and disappearing during the same extinction event. They came in a range of sizes, from tiny species only a couple of centimeters across, to large ones reaching over two meters in diameter. The animal would have lived in the last and largest of a chain of spiraled chambers. Filling these chambers with fluid or gas allowed the ammonite to sink like a stone to avoid predators, though ammonite shells with tooth marks on them have been found, evidence that it didn't always work. Fossilized shells are usually, but not always, beautiful spirals.

The iron pyrite layer or fool’s gold as it is more commonly called is heavy; it gives the fossil its heavy feeling. Sometimes the iridescent shell is polished away to show off the pyrite underneath. On other occasions the pieces are cut in half to show the inner chambers. These chambers sometimes have pyrite crystals inside and are extremely beautiful and rare. The age of these fossil shells is approximately 135 million to 195 million years old. 

All of these fossil shells are very rare; they may also be fragile. A lot of time and effort goes into cleaning these pieces for display. May you enjoy your fossil specimen as it is a scientific find as well as a link to our ancient past. 

• Dimensions: 175 mm x 150 mm x 20 mm.
• Genuine fossil.
• This item includes an information card about the fossil.
• A certificate of authenticity is included with this item.
• A plastic display stand is included with this item.

This fossil requires special care - exposure to water and other chemicals, such as cleaning products or aerosols, will damage it over time. If you polish the stone, use a dry cloth only, or an air duster that does not contain any disinfectant or other chemicals.

Any item(s) purchased will be shipped within 48 hours, however most are processed within 24 hours of the confirmation of your order. 

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