Fossil Goniatite in Matrix – Devonian Period, Erfoud Morocco, Authentic Prehistoric Specimen

Description

A stunning and authentic Fossil Goniatite preserved in its original limestone matrix, dating to the Devonian Period, approximately 390–400 million years ago. This specimen comes from the Erfoud region of Morocco, an area renowned for its rich fossil beds and well-preserved marine invertebrates.

Goniatites are extinct ammonoid cephalopods, ancestral relatives of modern squids and octopuses. They are characterised by their tightly coiled, planispiral shells and simpler suture patterns compared to later ammonites. This fossil offers excellent detail of the shell’s spiral and internal chamber structure.

Fossil Type: Ammonoid Cephalopod (Goniatite)

Geological Age: Devonian – Middle to Late Devonian (Givetian-Frasnian)

Formation: Likely Maïder Basin marine limestone beds near Erfoud

Depositional Environment: These goniatites lived in warm, shallow marine environments of the ancient Paleozoic seas. After death, their shells settled into fine carbonate sediments that later lithified into limestone. The conditions allowed for excellent preservation of both external and internal shell structures.

Morphological Features:

• Tightly coiled spiral shell (planispiral)
• Distinct chamber divisions (septa)
• Suture lines typically simple and curved (goniatitic)
• Presented in limestone matrix, sometimes with associated fauna

Notable:

• Classic example of early ammonoid evolution
• Attractive fossil suitable for display or study
• Collected from Morocco’s famous Devonian fossil beds
• Photo shows the exact item you will receive

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Please refer to the scale image for sizing – each square or cube represents 1cm.

This Devonian Goniatite fossil from Morocco is a beautifully preserved relic of Earth’s ancient oceans and an excellent addition to any fossil collection or educational setting.