Western Europe, Stuttgart, Germany, Holzmaden Black Shale Formation, Jurassic period, ca. 200 million years ago. A sublime display piece containing fossilized ammonite shells that developed a naturally golden luster from pyritization, within a large stone slab. There are 2 well preserved ammonites with fragmentary remains of other creatures surrounding; the iron sulfide (pyrite) mineralization highlights the aesthetic spirals, ribbing, and pointed lips that extends from the chamber openings - these ammonites are likely a species in the Harpoceras genus. The entire piece could be called a "life assemblage" - because millions of years ago these creatures were presumably engaging in their daily activities when they were suddenly killed in a "catastrophic mass mortality" event, and then preserved in the sediment. The slab has been chemically sealed to protect and permanently stabilize the fossils and stone. Size of stone: 15.5" L x 1" W x 12.5" H (39.4 cm x 2.5 cm x 31.8 cm); large shell: 8.5" Diameter (21.6 cm)

Specimens like this are now becoming quite rare as almost all large-scale quarrying operations in the formation have ceased. It is likely, Holzmaden fossils of exceptional quality and size like this lovely example will appreciate in the future as demand far outstrips supply. Holzmaden is a highly unique formation, famous for producing some of the world's finest Jurassic marine life fossils. Some of the largest dinosaurs that ever walked the earth were in existence when this ammonite swam in the ancient seas alongside massive plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs.

Provenance: Private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#183209

Professionally prepared without any restoration. The ammonites and slab sealed with protective coating.