Polished Ammonite Fossil - 5.6 inch Madagascar Specimen

Polished Ammonite Fossil from Madagascar

This beautiful polished ammonite fossil showcases the intricate chamber structure and natural beauty of these ancient cephalopods that dominated Earth's oceans during the Mesozoic Era. From Madagascar, one of the world's premier sources for ammonite fossils, this 5.6-inch specimen displays excellent preservation with natural iridescence and classic spiral form.

Specimen Details

Fossil Type: Ammonite (Cephalopod)
Dimensions: 5.6 inches (14.2 cm) diameter
Age: Cretaceous Period (approximately 66-145 million years old)
Condition: Excellent with minor chip on tail
Locality: Madagascar

Visual Characteristics

The specimen has been expertly polished to reveal the internal chamber structure (suture patterns) that characterizes ammonites. The polished surface displays natural iridescent colors created by the fossilized aragonite shell material, which can show flashes of red, orange, green, and other colors depending on the viewing angle and lighting. The classic spiral form demonstrates the logarithmic growth pattern that ammonites followed throughout their lives, adding new chambers as they grew.

Madagascar: A Fossil Treasure Trove

Madagascar ammonite fossils are world-renowned for their exceptional preservation, size, and the beautiful iridescence often displayed by the fossilized shell material. The island's Cretaceous-age marine sediments have yielded countless ammonite specimens representing numerous species that lived in the ancient Tethys Ocean. Madagascar has become one of the most important sources for ammonite fossils in the international market, with material from this locality featured in museums and private collections worldwide.

Ammonites: Ancient Ocean Dwellers

Ammonites were marine cephalopods related to modern nautilus, squid, and octopus. They first appeared approximately 400 million years ago and thrived in Earth's oceans until their extinction 66 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous Period, along with the dinosaurs. The spiral shell served as both protection and buoyancy control, with the animal living in the outermost chamber and adding new chambers as it grew. The intricate suture patterns visible in polished specimens represent the complex walls separating each chamber.

Polishing & Preparation

This polished ammonite specimen has been carefully prepared to reveal the internal structure while preserving the natural beauty of the fossilized shell. The polishing process removes the outer rock matrix and smooths the surface to reveal the chamber patterns and any iridescent shell material. The minor chip on the tail (outer edge) is typical of natural specimens and does not significantly detract from the overall quality or display value.

Display & Educational Value

At 5.6 inches in diameter, this specimen offers ideal size for display on a stand, shelf, or in a cabinet. The polished surface makes it perfect for hands-on examination and educational purposes, allowing viewers to clearly see the chamber structure and understand ammonite anatomy. Ammonite fossils serve as excellent teaching tools for understanding paleontology, evolution, and Earth's ancient marine ecosystems.

The piece serves multiple purposes: as a display fossil showcasing ammonite morphology, an educational specimen for teaching about extinct marine life, a decorative piece with natural iridescence, or an introduction to fossil collecting. The combination of size, excellent preservation, and Madagascar provenance makes this specimen attractive to both beginning and experienced fossil collectors.

Display Recommendations: Best appreciated under bright lighting to showcase the iridescent shell material and chamber patterns. The specimen can be displayed flat or on a stand to highlight the spiral form. Consider positioning to catch light that reveals the natural color play in the fossilized shell. The polished surface requires minimal maintenance and displays beautifully in both modern and traditional settings.

Care Instructions: Fossilized shell material is relatively durable but can be damaged by impact or harsh chemicals. Handle carefully to avoid dropping or chipping edges. Clean with soft, damp cloth if needed; avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Display away from extreme temperature changes that might cause cracking. The polished surface will maintain its luster with minimal care.

All specimens include a label bearing the mineral name and origin as well as provenance label(s) for the specimen, if any.

Note: Each piece is handpicked for quality and uniqueness.