Sphenodiscus splendens
Upper Cretaceous
South Dakota
Ammonites are the common name given to extinct, shelled cephalopods that has a host of different forms. Ammonites only exist as fossils within the Lower Devonian through the Upper Cretaceous marine rocks of the world. They are closely related to the modern nautilus. Originally collected by Glenn Reede on private property in Dewey County, South Dakota during the 1990's and later prepared by Jim Schoon of Vivian South Dakota. According to Neal Larson, a renowned expert in fossil ammonites, this specimen is one of the finest of its species ever discovered. The brilliant red color is probably caused by gold in its shell along with its common elemental make up of calcium, strontium, iron and cadmium. The bright colors are caused by extra strontium in the shell. Until recently, this specimen has been part of a museum collection.
Diameter of matrix 17 in. Diameter of specimen: 14in