Behold the Natural Splendor of Glyptoxoceras

[Uncle Siphuncle]

The Gulfian heteromorphic ammonite Glyptoxoceras doesn't get much mention in Texas, so I decided to give it little air time. Most of the specimens I've collected were found in the Ozan Formation (Campanian) of North Texas, including those from the North Sulphur River Red Zone shown below.

[Uncle Siphuncle]

This ammonite isn't restricted to the Red Zone, however. They can be found in the gray, conchoidally fracturing claystone as well, although in the gray they are generally compressed to 2D, presenting as a swirl of white aragonitic shell with ribs. I admit to touching up some of these specimens with paint where the color washed off by erosion.

[fossilized6s]

Wow, looks delicate. Very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[Uncle Siphuncle]

I once got lucky and found a double in the Ozan. The aforementioned conchoidal fracture of the matrix complicated excavation, stabilization, and preparation, but it was worth the effort.

[Uncle Siphuncle]

As noted, I've found some fragments that may be Glyptoxoceras from the Corsicana Formation (Maastrichtian) of South Texas. One is shown below. This concludes my spotlight on this interesting faunal vestige of Texas' Gulfian seas.

[PFOOLEY]

I was just thinking about this genus...perfect timing. I couldn't have found better examples on the interwebs.

Thanks.

Edit: Gulfian?

Edited January 23, 2016 by PFOOLEY

[ZiggieCie]

THX Uncle.

[Plantguy]

I once got lucky and found a double in the Ozan. The aforementioned conchoidal fracture of the matrix complicated excavation, stabilization, and preparation, but it was worth the effort.

Hey Dan, thanks for showing us some of your rarities--the double is awesome. Got to see an ammo presentation at one of the TB fossil club mtgs recently and was fascinated seeing some of the variety-havent hunted for those critters in decades. Odd to see the suturing complexity and then the almost haphazard coil patterns in some. We just dont get that kind of stuff over here. Congrats on the collection! Regards, Chris

[Fossildude19]

Man, those are cool looking things.

Thanks for making me learn something today, Dan.

Regards,

[PaleoWilliam]

Great specimens! You are very lucky to have found them.

[sandgroper]

These are great looking ammonites, fantastic finds mate!

[jpc]

Nice stuff, Dan. My few examples (Wyoming) are like your last ones...

Edited January 23, 2016 by jpc

[PFOOLEY]

...My few examples (Wyoming) are like your last ones...

Show you mine (New Mexico)...

...if you show me yours.

[jpc]

Heck, it looks just like mine.. let me see if I can fnd the photos...

There they are, in amongst a flock of baculites. Cody Shale, 33 Mile Road, Natrona Couty, WY.

[PFOOLEY]

Heck, it looks just like mine.. let me see if I can fnd the photos...

There they are, in amongst a flock of baculites. Cody Shale, 33 Mile Road, Natrona Couty, WY.

P4251051b.jpg

Cody is Coniacian?

[jpc]

Cody is Coniacian?

I think this site is early Campanian, but I would have to get out of bed to look it up.

[caterpillar]

Nice ammonites. Have you some to trade?

[Uncle Siphuncle]

Hello, Caterpillar. I'll keep that in mind on future finds. By the way, I once collected ammos at LaFarge Belmont....spectacular site! One of my favorites in Europe.

Edited January 26, 2016 by Uncle Siphuncle

[-Andy-]

Woah that's a spectacular ammonite indeed

[jpc]

I think this site is early Campanian, but I would have to get out of bed to look it up.

Yes, Campanian.

[caterpillar]

Thanks Uncle. Belmont of course, but there is a lot of other good sites for ammonites in France. And also for Glyptoxoceras

[GriffinStorm]

I had this specimen identified as Glyptoxoceras. It was found in the North Sulphur River north of Ladonia, TX just on top of the Ozan formation. It appears to even show the bulbous tail. This specimen is completely flat.