Massive Cleoniceras Ammonite Fossil Impressive Fossil...

Fossil spirals and crystalline geometries of the Cretaceous — We present an exceptionally visually striking and monumentally sized fossil specimen of Ammonite. This specimen, belonging to the genus Cleoniceras, comes from the rich Madagascar deposits and dates to the Early Cretaceous, specifically the Albian stage, about 110 million years ago. The ammonite has been masterfully sectioned and polished to reveal its complex internal structure and is presented on an elegant customized base with a swiveling support, allowing 360-degree viewing. The piece has a unique composition: not a single spiral, but an assembly that shows two shell sections, creating a visual dialogue between two centers of log spiral growth. This preparation highlights the perfect Fibonacci spiral geometry that governed the cephalopod’s shell growth. The surface, mirror-polished, unveils a world of chromatic details. The internal chambers, or camerae, were filled with minerals during fossilization, giving rise to warm hues of orange, amber, and deep brown, likely due to calcite and aragonite. These vibrant colors create a magnificent contrast with the lighter rock matrix, in shades of gray and beige, which encases the fossil. What makes this specimen scientifically fascinating and visually spectacular are the sutural lines. They are not fractures, but the complex joints between the septa (the walls dividing the internal chambers) and the outer shell wall. In this specimen, the sutures are of the “ammonitic” type, characterized by an extremely intricate and jagged pattern with dendritic motifs reminiscent of ferns, corals, or crystallized lightning. This complexity is an evolutionary indicator typical of later Mesozoic ammonites. The permineralization fossilization process allowed each individual chamber, once filled with gas and liquids to regulate the animal’s buoyancy, to be replaced molecule by molecule with mineral deposits, preserving the form impeccably for millions of years. Preparing a fossil of such size is an art requiring precision and sensitivity. The cross-section not only exposes the inner spiral but also creates a flat, glossy plane that acts as a window into deep time. The polishing enhances the translucency of the crystallized minerals inside the chambers and the complexity of the sutural lines, transforming a paleontological specimen into a natural work of art. The choice to create a composite piece with two spirals further enhances its charm, offering a dynamic and unusual composition. This fossil is not only a record of prehistoric life but also an object of extraordinary decorative beauty. Its imposing size and warm colors make it an ideal focal point for any environment, from a professional study to a library, from a gallery to a contemporary living room. As a collectible piece, it represents a valuable addition to any natural history collection or to a modern Wunderkammer. The swiveling base is a functional detail that underscores its display value, allowing one to admire every detail, from the luster of the polished surface to the rougher texture of the outer matrix. Technical details Name: Fossil Ammonite (genus Cleoniceras) Classification: Mollusca, Cephalopoda, Ammonoidea Origin: Madagascar Geological period: Early Cretaceous (Albian, about 110 million years ago) Dimensions: 505 x 410 x 95 mm (refers to the fossil only) Weight: 14000 g (14 kg) (refers to the fossil only) Base: Wooden base with swiveling metal support Conditions: Natural specimen, sectioned and polished.

Estimation:3.600€

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