Canadian Ammonite in Matrix
Placenticeras costatum
Upper Cretaceous
Bearpaw Formation, Southern Alberta, Canada
Prized by collectors, the 70 -75-million-year-old ammonite specimens from the Bearpaw Formation display a spectacular palette produced by light interference by the shell's layers. The flashing colors are produced not by opalization as is often thought, but by the ammonite's own mother-of-pearl layer which has been fossilized. The present fine specimen, prepared in the matrix in which it was discovered, displays red, orange, gold and green, and also some uncommon blue coloration, which is highly desired by collectors. A spectacular piece, the luminous colors show in dramatic contrast to the deeply colored black shale.
Measures 18 x 13in; Specimen measures 7.5in
Upper Cretaceous
Bearpaw Formation, Southern Alberta, Canada
Prized by collectors, the 70 -75-million-year-old ammonite specimens from the Bearpaw Formation display a spectacular palette produced by light interference by the shell's layers. The flashing colors are produced not by opalization as is often thought, but by the ammonite's own mother-of-pearl layer which has been fossilized. The present fine specimen, prepared in the matrix in which it was discovered, displays red, orange, gold and green, and also some uncommon blue coloration, which is highly desired by collectors. A spectacular piece, the luminous colors show in dramatic contrast to the deeply colored black shale.
Measures 18 x 13in; Specimen measures 7.5in
Estimate:
US$ 10,000 - 12,000
£6,600 - 7,900
€7,700 - 9,300
£6,600 - 7,900
€7,700 - 9,300
Category: Natural History
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