Ancient Seas, North America, Western United States, Montana, Rosebud County, Bearpaw Shale formation, late Cretaceous, ca. 83 to 70 million years ago. This is an amazing fossilized heteromorph ammonite shell with an incredible loose spiral, a genus of Didymoceras nebrascensis, professionally restored from two fossils. This extinct cephalopod is one of the most interesting of the ammonite species - the hooked tip is restored but shows how the unique terminal end was shaped! These creatures are thought to move vertically through the water with their tentacles emerging from the wide chamber to catch prey. The ribbed shell has mottled layers of brown and dark gray and is pleasantly tactile. Didymoceras' shell is probably the most visually captivating of the ammonites and is a wonderful display piece! Size: 7.25" L x 1.75" W (18.4 cm x 4.4 cm); 8.25" H (21 cm) on included custom stand.

The word "ammonite" came from Pliny the Elder who thought these fossils resembled horns, just like the ones the Egyptian ram god, Ammon, was typically depicted wearing. These shells of Didymoceras could easily be mistaken for fossilized ram horns! Interestingly, the number and shapes of the bends and coils in the shell determine the age of these creatures. The first growth stage, starting from the chamber opening, had one or two segments that bent sharply with a slightly curved third segment. The next growth consisted of three loosely coiled spirals, and the final adult marker was the U- shaped terminal tip.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#167923

Professionally restored and repaired. Composite of 2 different shells, and the top 2 inches of shell is restored. Great coloration and presentation of shape!