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RARE LARGE JURASSIC DACTYLIOCERAS AMMONITE ON LITHOGRAPHIC LIMESTONE SLAB FROM SOLNHOFEN Solnhofen Plattenkalk Formation - Eichstatt, Germany JURASSIC PERIOD (OXFORDIAN AGE): 161.2 - 155 million years ago Famous for producing an astonishing diversity of rare and most intricately preserved fossils found anywhere in the world, the Jurassic lithographic limestone deposits of southern Germany are legendary. Quarries in the region are privately held and mostly worked by hand on a small scale. The finest grade fossils are few and far between and much rock must be split to locate them. The best fossils are most often kept by the quarry owners who themselves, are often collectors. Some quarries are operated on a large scale but these are now dug with machinery instead of manual labor. Because of this the rock is damaged and along with it, the rare fossils. What all this means today is that even fewer fine grade Solnhofen fossils are found and when they are, rarely do the best pieces make it to market. Occasionally, an old private collection surfaces and specimens are sold or traded. This is where the rare opportunity comes along to acquire a specimen on a level that truly is a prize find. Typically, the older material is often the best as it was collected when the deposits were first being worked and quality was in greater abundance. This is an Oxfordian Age Jurassic ammonite fossil of the species Dactylioceras. Not only is this a rare ammonite from Solnhofen, it is an extremely attractive specimen of sizeable proportions. The limestone plate it is on is a very large and with beautiful varying bands of natural golden tones adding to its overall aesthetics. The outer chamber ridges can be seen protruding up off the rock. This is NOT a negative impression but an actual outward-protruding fossil specimen. Visible is superb delicate detail of the centrum and whorls with a defined end of the shell. Ammonites are not rare in the fossil record but examples from the famous Solnhofen deposits are and you seldom can find them on the marketplace as you see from other deposits. A perfect piece for advanced collections of unique specimens. NO RESTORATION, FABRICATION. Very highly recommended!!!
Ammonites varied greatly in size.
The largest
known
as small
as 2 cm (0.75 in) in diameter. During the Jurassic and Cretaceous
periods, ammonites evolved more streamlined shells for swimming and the
structure of the shell became stronger. Different shell shapes emerged
as well, such as snail-like or uncoiled. The shells of
ammonites
had hollow chambers separated by walls called septa. A tube called the siphuncle,
Ammonites probably lived for one to six years, with the majority living two to four years. They fed on plankton (tiny free-floating organisms), sea lilies, and smaller orthoceras. Although many fed off the ocean floor, others may have caught plankton while floating or swimming via jet propulsion, expelling water through a funnel-like opening to propel themselves in the opposite direction. Because ammonites lived exclusively in marine environments, their presence also indicates the location of prehistoric seas. RARE, LARGE EXAMPLE THAT IS EQUALLY AESTHETIC WITH FINE NATURAL CHAMBER AND WHORL DETAIL! 17.25" x 11.75" overall with ammonite 4.25" across $395 AMX206 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
