A Robust Ammonite
Pachydiscus catarinae
Cretaceous
Baja, Mexico
Stunningly well defined, snowflake-like suture patterns distinguish a robust, polished ammonite specimen. It is the suture layer of ammonites, which provides the means of identification. Pachydiscus was a large, thick ammonite, which swam the ancient seas of the Late Cretaceous. Its shell was composed of three layers: a ribbed outer shell, a layer of mother-of-pearl and the suture layer (visible in the present specimen.) The size of this ammonite and its attractive patterning make it a very desirable display specimen.