Nautilus Ammonite Fossil-in-Rock Cast - Museum-Quality Paleontological Reproduction 11H

From 400 to 65 million years ago, ammonites were among the most common and widespread animals in the world's oceans. Their coiled, chambered shells - similar in form to the modern nautilus - have been found on every continent and in rocks spanning hundreds of millions of years, making them one of the most important index fossils in geology. This Nautilus Ammonite fossil-in-rock cast presents that iconic form embedded in its surrounding matrix - not as an isolated specimen, but as it appears in the field, still cradled in the rock that preserved it for millions of years.

The Specimen as Found - Matrix and All

This ammonite in matrix fossil replica captures the awesome beauty of the spiral ammonite form within a cradle-like rock matrix, exactly as a field paleontologist would encounter it. The 11 in spiraling surface gives this cast an exceptional visual impact - the full sweep of the coiled shell, the surface ribbing, and the surrounding matrix texture are all hand-cast in compound stone in the USA and hand-painted with an aged patina. It is one of the most visually dramatic pieces in the marine fossil collection.

The Nautilus Ammonite Fossil-in-Rock Cast with Educational Booklet

This ancient nautilus spiral fossil cast includes an educational booklet that tells the story of ammonites - their geology, their biology, their extraordinary range across deep time, and their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous. It makes this compound stone fossil-in-rock paleontological reproduction an ideal gift for students, young collectors, and anyone being introduced to natural history for the first time. Weighs approximately 10 lbs. Made in the USA.

Explore more in our Prehistoric Collection and our Natural History Collection.

Product Details

• SKU: 5100Z
• Dimensions: 11 in spiraling surface
• Weight: Approx. 10 lbs
• Material: Compound stone, hand-cast in the USA
• Finish: Aged hand-painted
• Includes: Educational booklet

For further reading on ammonites and nautiloids, visit the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.