Fossilized Cleoniceras ammonite - Cretaceous - Perfectly Preserved - Height: 100 mm - Width: 80 mm- 246 g - (1)

Polished fossil specimen with exceptional detail — This Cleoniceras ammonite specimen, originating from Madagascar, offers an extraordinary window into the Lower Cretaceous, a geological period spanning approximately 100 to 65 million years ago. The piece has been carefully prepared to reveal the magnificent internal structure of the fossil, preserved with astonishing clarity. The spiral shape, typical of ammonites, is enhanced here by polishing that highlights its elegant curves and natural symmetry. The polished surface brings out the complex suture lines, known as lobes and saddles, which form an intricate dendritic pattern on the shell. These unique, leaf- or fern-like shapes are a distinctive feature of ammonites, offering a fascinating glimpse into their complex internal anatomy. The warm colors, ranging from light to dark brown with orange hues and iridescent areas, are due to the presence of aragonite and pyrite, minerals that replaced and preserved the original shell over millions of years. Cleoniceras ammonites are especially prized by both scholars and collectors for their beauty and the excellent preservation they often display. Beyond their undeniable aesthetic appeal, these fossils are of great scientific importance, providing valuable information about marine biodiversity, paleoclimate, and Mesozoic geochronology. Each specimen tells a profound story of life on Earth and its transformations. This particular lot also features areas of the shell with secondary crystallization, adding further depth and brilliance to the specimen. The shell’s excellent preservation and the sharpness of the suture details make it a high-quality collector’s piece, ideal for enriching a private collection or museum, or as a refined decorative accent in any setting. The irregularities and color variations visible are an integral part of the specimen’s natural formation and fossilization process, bearing witness to its authenticity and geological history. **Final Technical Data:** Name: Ammonite Classification: Cleoniceras Geological period: Cretaceous Origin: Madagascar Material: Aragonite and Pyrite (fossil) Finish: Polished Dimensions: 100 x 80 x 25 mm Weight: 246 g Condition: Natural, excellently preserved Lot code: ZAR-239