Fossil polished orthoceras cone (sea creature), devonian, morocco

Description

Scale cube=1cm: Full sizing please see photo

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Specimen: Orthoceras Cone

Age: Devonian

Location: Morocco

Orthoceras cones are fossilized remains of ancient marine creatures belonging to the cephalopod group, specifically the Orthocerida order. These fossils are particularly well-known and abundant in the geological deposits of Morocco, where they provide a captivating glimpse into the prehistoric oceans that existed hundreds of millions of years ago.

The Orthoceras was a straight-shelled cephalopod that lived during the Paleozoic Era, predominantly in the Devonian and Silurian periods, approximately 488 to 416 million years ago. These marine animals were characterized by their long, slender, conical shells, resembling a pointed cone or a tapered cylinder. The name “Orthoceras” is derived from the Greek words “ortho,” meaning straight, and “kera,” meaning horn, reflecting the distinctive shape of their shells.

Fossilized Orthoceras cones found in Morocco are typically preserved in sedimentary rocks, often in the form of limestone or shale. The exceptional preservation conditions have led to the creation of beautiful and detailed fossils that capture the intricate structure of the Orthoceras shell. These fossils are frequently encountered in the Anti-Atlas region of Morocco, where they are extracted from ancient seabed deposits.

The Orthoceras cones from Morocco are prized by collectors and paleontologists alike for their aesthetic appeal and scientific significance. The fossils showcase the spiral suture patterns on the shell, marking the divisions between individual chambers that the cephalopod inhabited during its life. The fine-grained nature of the sediment in which these fossils are embedded often allows for the preservation of delicate features, providing valuable insights into the morphology and biology of these ancient marine organisms.

In addition to their scientific value, Orthoceras cones from Morocco have become popular in the world of lapidary and fossil collecting. The fossils are often polished to reveal the intricate internal structure of the shell, creating unique and visually striking specimens. These fossils serve as both educational tools and decorative items, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the beauty of ancient marine life while connecting with the geological history of the Earth.

ACTUAL AS SEEN: The image shows the EXACT specimen you will receive. The specimen has been carefully hand selected and photographed. Measurements are as accurate as possible, though be aware measuring precise dimensions can be difficult from irregular shaped items. Whilst we portray colours as close to life-like as we can, colours will vary if taken in sunlight, indoors, from monitor to monitor and device to device. Once this specimen is sold, we will update this listing with new similar selected item, with a new photo and dimensions.