Very Large and Impressive Iridescent Ammonite
Placenticeras meeki
Upper Cretaceous
Alberta, Canada
Ammonite fossils are found on every continent. Treasured for their appearance and form, some show intricate suture patterns, which are created by the complex walls dividing the inside of the shells. Those from Southern Alberta, however, display remarkably brilliant colors not seen in ammonites from other localities. Coveted by collectors the world over, their stunning palettes fortuitously result from the light interference by the shell layers. The present breathtaking example, of considerable size, exhibits a dazzling, luminous red color predominating, with vivid emerald green throughout. Flashes of yellow and red-orange are also seen in this magnificent specimen, which, unlike most specimens of its kind, is equally stunning on both sides. Measuring 19 x 16 x 1 3/4 in