Western Europe, Stuttgart, Germany, Holzmaden Black Shale Formation, Jurassic period, ca. 200 million years ago. A gorgeous and large ammonite shell within a large stone slab that not only fossilized but pyritized, developing a naturally golden luster! The ribbed exterior, and a pointed lip that extends from the chamber opening indicates this ammonite is in the Harpoceras genus, and the surrounding stone matrix contains partial ammonite shells and impressions from other species such as Dactylioceras. The entire piece could be called a "life assemblage" - because millions of years ago these creatures were presumably engaging in their daily activities when they were suddenly killed in a "catastrophic mass mortality" event, and then preserved in the sediment. The slab has been chemically sealed to protect and permanently stabilize this rare feature. A metal wall keyhole hanger plate is set in the back for mounting the stone on a wall as an outstanding display specimen! Size of matrix: 18.75" L x 13" W (47.6 cm x 33 cm); ammonite: 10.5" Diameter (26.7 cm)

Specimens like this are now becoming quite rare as almost all large-scale quarrying operations in the formation have ceased. It is likely, Holzmaden fossils of exceptional quality and size like this lovely example will appreciate in the future as demand far outstrips supply. Holzmaden is a highly unique formation, famous for producing some of the world's finest Jurassic marine life fossils. Some of the largest dinosaurs that ever walked the earth were in existence when this ammonite swam in the ancient seas alongside massive plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs.

Provenance: Private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection

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#181516

Professionally prepared without any restoration. Matrix is intact without repairs. The ammonites and slab sealed with protective coating and a metal hanging plate is mounted flush on the verso for displaying.