Ammonite

Ammonites are an extinct group of cephalopods that entered the fossil record 400 million years ago.  They survived several mass extinction events, including the Permian–Triassic "Great Dying" which wiped out 96% of all marine species.  They finally succumbed during the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event 66 million years ago, which also wiped out the dinosaurs. 

This specimen is a fossilized ammonite shell from Madagascar. There are two styles: split and whole.

Split specimens are precision cut to reveal the interior spiral. 

Whole specimens are suitable for tabletop display. They range in size from 3cm to 5cm in diameter. The outer surface is polished to reveal the sutures in the shell.

All specimens come inside our classic, glass-topped riker display cases. The cases measure 4 1/2" x 3 1/2". A small information card is also enclosed that also serves as the certificate of authenticity.