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FINEST GRADE JURASSIC BLACK SHALE SLAB WITH MULTIPLE LARGE GOLD PYRITE AMMONITES Holzmaden Black Shale Formation (Lias Epsilon) - Stuttgart, Germany JURASSIC PERIOD: 200 million years ago From the world-renown Black Jurassic oil-bearing shale of Holzmaden, Germany comes this exquisitely preserved multiple ammonite slab with large Harpoceras ammonite fossils naturally preserved in a bright and heavy metallic layer of golden pyrite where the ammonite was once buried. Holzmaden is a highly unique formation famous for producing some of the world's finest Jurassic marine life fossils. The ammonites display an original shell that the fossilization process has naturally replaced with stunning golden pyrite - a feature that is so HIGHLY-prized. This gold tone on the fossil is COMPLETELY GENUINE AND NATURAL formed millions of years ago. Modern quarry efforts have failed to produce many specimens like this that were once found in greater frequency many years ago. If you wish to accent a room with one of nature's most beautiful prehistoric masterpieces, then this fossil would really set off any interior. No doubt, this is a GRADE 10 specimen in every way! This is a spectacular, detailed fossil shale slab with one of the brightest layers of pyrite on the ammonite we have offered. Complimenting the main ammonites are numerous other smaller ammonites of various species scattered across the surface. It is a spectacular piece and would make an incredible architectural accent specimen to be displayed on the wall, bookshelf or mantle. The ammonite possesses exquisite chamber ridge detail much better than the above photos indicate. The effect of the metallic golden pyrite glow must be seen to be fully appreciated. This beauty has NO RESTORATION, REPAIR OR FABRICATION! This magnificent specimen is not only valuable for its superb fossil quality and preservation but it possesses immense architectural value when used in any interior setting. Much nicer in person than appears above. Some of the largest dinosaurs that ever walked the earth were in existence when these ammonites swam in the ancient seas alongside massive plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs!
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, connected the body with the
chambers allowing the animal to fill them with water or air, changing
its buoyancy in order to
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. CHOICE QUALITY ARCHITECTURAL ACCENT FOSSIL - SUPERB GOLDEN PYRITE AMMONITES ON A LARGE, BLACK SHALE SLAB! 23" x 17" overall, main ammonites are 8.5" and 6" across $1395 AMX227 INCLUDES STAND Actual Item - One Only |
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1395 |
