Two Iridescent Cleoniceras Cretaceous Ammonite fossils from Madagascar

[xraymike79]

Name: Cleoniceras besaiei Ammonite

Time Period: Upper Early Cretaceous, Albian Stage

Locality: Mahajanga Province, Madagascar

This ammonite species is known as Cleoniceras, and the preservation is such that most of the original iridescent shell is preserved. The iridescence is a result of light passing through the layers of aragonite and conchiolin grown by the ammonite in life.

The iridescence changes depending on the angle viewed by the observer and the type of light illuminating the shell.

Edited August 11, 2016 by xraymike79

[caldigger]

I see you have them in custom stands, what is their size?

[Fossildude19]

Very pretty.

Regards,

[xraymike79]

I see you have them in custom stands, what is their size?

The one on the left measures 10.5 cm (4 2/8 Inches) at its widest point.

The one on the right measures 11.5 cm (4 1/2 Inches) at its widest point.

The stands were made by a local ironsmith in downtown Phoenix.

Edited August 11, 2016 by xraymike79

[CraigHyatt]

Absolutely gorgeous. Art by nature.

[Troodon]

Absolutely beautiful and I'm sure in person the iridescence is spectacular

[-Andy-]

Very pretty specimens!

Madagascan ammonites are all of my all-time faves.