Fossil ammonite Douvilliceras sp. – Madagascar. - Fossil fragment - extraordinary fossil of the genus Douvillicera - 230 mm - 190 mm

An extraordinary fossil of the genus Douvilliceras, found in the Albian Formations of Madagascar, dates back approximately 110 million years. This ammonite genus is known for its robust, heavily ribbed shell, with radial ribs running the entire length of the shell, giving the specimen an almost sculptural appearance. Douvilliceras belongs to the Desmoceratidae family and is distinguished by its complex, deeply incised sutures, clearly visible in the fractured portion of the specimen.
This ammonite has been hand-polished and polished, revealing a variety of natural colors: cream, gray, amber tones, and traces of fossilized aragonite, which, on the inside, displays mother-of-pearl reflections, sometimes with pink and green hues.
Particularly fascinating are the natural metallic inclusions well distributed across the surface. These are pyrite or marcasite, formed during the fossilization process, which emerge as silvery, reflective patches. Some more compact and shiny portions may suggest the presence of galena or other metallic sulfides. These details enhance the specimen, making it an interesting specimen of naturalia: fossils that, beyond their paleontological value, are true works of geological art.
The fractured portion reveals an exceptional internal structure, featuring distinct septate chambers mineralized with chalcedony, translucent quartz, and calcite, creating an internal texture reminiscent of sacred geometry. This formation allows us to appreciate not only the shell's external appearance, but also its extraordinary functional architecture, used for buoyancy in the tropical seas of the Cretaceous.
This fossil fits perfectly into the category of naturalia, extraordinary objects created by nature, sought after by collectors for their aesthetics and rarity. A specimen like this combines scientific value, ornamental beauty, and mineralogical rarity, making it ideal not only for fossil collectors but also for naturalist art galleries and ancient mineralogy enthusiasts.