Monumental Cretaceous Douvilleiceras Ammonite Massive, Perfectly Preserved Spiral Shell - Height: 490 mm - Width: 460 mm- 32260 g - (1)

Giant Size Fossil Douvilleiceras Ammonites — A monumental specimen of a fossil ammonite, belonging to the genus Douvilleiceras, from the rich deposits of Madagascar. This specimen, dated to the Early Cretaceous (Aptian stage), represents an exceptionally valuable paleontological testimony, impressive for its imposing dimensions and for the state of preservation that reveals morphological and chromatic details of rare beauty. The shell develops along a perfect evolutionary logarithmic spiral, where the earlier whorls remain partially visible. Its structure is iconic due to the presence of robust and projecting ribs, adorned with a double row of pronounced tubercles, a diagnostic feature of the genus Douvilleiceras. The preparation of the specimen, through meticulous partial polishing, has highlighted the complex architecture of the shell, bringing to light the surface texture and the ancient sutural lines fossilized. During the fossilization process, lasting over 100 million years, the original calcium carbonate shell was permineralized, preserving its shape in minute detail. The color palette ranges from warm earth tones, such as beige, brown, and cream, creating a natural mosaic of great visual impact. The most extraordinary aspect, visible at several points on the surface, is the preservation of portions of the original mother-of-pearl aragonite layer, now manifested with vivid iridescences. These flashes of color, reminiscent of the gem Ammolite, show hues of fiery red and green, a rare phenomenon in fossils of this size that exponentially enhances their collectible and aesthetic value. This cephalopod swam in the warm, shallow seas that covered present-day Madagascar during the Aptian stage of the Cretaceous, about 110 million years ago. It was an active predator in a thriving marine ecosystem, contemporaneous with the great dinosaurs that dominated the land. Douvilleiceras ammonites are key guide fossils for dating rocks of this geological period, providing valuable data to paleontologists. This specimen is not merely a fossil, but a true sculpture created by nature and geological time. Its monumental size and the beauty of its iridescences make it a museum piece, ideal as the focal point of a prestigious natural history collection, of a professional studio, or of high-end interior design. It is an object that engages with the history of our planet, an icon of mathematical and biological perfection that embodies the very concept of Wunderkammer, or cabinet of curiosities. Technical details Name: Ammonite, Genus: Douvilleiceras Classification: Mollusca, Cephalopoda, Ammonoidea Provenance: Madagascar Geological period: Early Cretaceous (Aptian, about 113–100.5 million years ago) Dimensions: 490 x 460 x 180 mm Weight: 32,260 g Conditions: Excellent state of preservation, partially polished to enhance the internal structure and iridescences.