North America, Canada, Alberta, Bearpaw formation, late Cretaceous, ca. 71 million years ago. This is a breathtaking ammonite of the Placenticeras meeki genus with a large, iridescent ammolite shell. Ammolite is an organic gemstone that boasts an astonishing array of rainbows colors. Here, the brightness of this specimen's colors and the iridescence is a testament to the well-preserved state of the nacreous shell, and this fossil was prepared by the company Canada Fossils Ltd, the sister company to Korite, the largest commercial producer of natural ammolite gemstones and jewelry. Together, they provide ammonites and other amazing finds to important institutions, including an ammonite on display in the American Museum of Natural History in New York! This is a large shell, with a slightly recessed spiral, and a gorgeous specimen that needs to be seen in person under dazzling light to gain he full visual experience! Size: 11.5" Diameter x 1.75" W (29.2 cm x 4.4 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.

Plancenticeras meeki was anything but meek - this was a swift predator that swam after prey, and did not passively float in the current. Their genus name is in honor of Fielding Meek (1817 to 1876), a pioneer in American paleontology. They could reach a staggering 1 meter (3.3 feet) in diameter - imagine a shelled creature of that size with tentacles outstretched swimming by!

Ammolite is a rare, iridescent, gem-quality material cut from the fossilized shells of extinct sea creatures known as ammonites. Found only in the Bearpaw Formation in Alberta, Canada - along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains - this organic gemstone has a dazzling range of colors and patterns and is highly desired for freeform natural cabochons and assembled jewelry pieces.

According to the International Gem Society (IGS) statement on the difference between Ammolite and Ammonite: "You may find the terms ammolite and ammonite sometimes used interchangeably. However, ammonite, strictly speaking, refers to the fossil shells of ammonites, whether gem-quality or not. Ammolite refers to the gem-quality material made from fossils of particular species of ammonites." Also according to IGS, "Ammonites were marine mollusks that became extinct around 65 million years ago. There were many species of ammonites, and their fossils have been found across the globe. The fossils of Placenticeras meeki, Placenticeras intercalare, and Baculites compressus can yield gem-quality ammolite. To date, this material has been found only in Alberta, Canada."

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.

#167920

Professionally prepared with a clear fixative on surface to protect the shell. Stable fissures from fossilization throughout. Gorgeous iridescence throughout.