Red Fire Iridescent Cleoniceras Ammonite from the...

Red Opal Iridescent — A fossil ammonite specimen of the genus Cleoniceras from the famous Cretaceous deposits of Madagascar. This piece is not only a paleontological testimony of extraordinary preservation but also an object of rare natural beauty, thanks to its polished surface that reveals spectacular iridescences. The shell has been expertly sliced to expose its complex internal structure and to accentuate the color play that makes it a unique piece. The logarithmic spiral shape, perfectly preserved, is the iconic symbol of these ancient cephalopods. The surface, mirror-polished, highlights a rich range of warm colors, spanning from tobacco brown to translucent caramel. It is along the sutures—those intricate partitions that separated the shell’s inner chambers—that the true magic of this fossil manifests. Here, the interference of light on the original aragonite layer, preserved by the fossilization process, produces intense opalescence with fiery red dominants and orange flashes that dance and change with the angle of observation. This magnificent specimen began its existence about 110 million years ago, sailing the oceans of the Early Cretaceous period. After the organism’s death, its shell settled on the seabed and, in favorable environmental conditions, was covered by sediments. The fossilization process permineralized the structure, replacing organic tissues with minerals such as calcite. In Malagasy deposits, a layer of the original mother-of-pearl (aragonite) is often preserved, giving rise to the iridescence phenomenon, structurally similar to that of the precious organic gem Ammolite. In addition to its undeniable scientific value, this fossil is a highly valuable collectible and a decoratively impactful element. Its natural elegance and chromatic vitality make it a perfect candidate for a contemporary Wunderkammer, a library, or as a focal point in a study. The specimen tells a story of eons, uniting the geometric perfection of nature with an explosion of color that seems almost alive. The preparation through partial cutting and careful polishing transforms an ancient find into a natural sculpture, one that captures light and the imagination of those who observe it.

Estimation:€180

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