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Orthoceras Fossil Plaque – Genuine Nautiloid Cephalopod – Cretaceous Fossil from Kem Kem Basin Morocco – With Certificate of Authenticity
Orthoceras Fossil Plaque – Genuine Nautiloid Cephalopod – Cretaceous Fossil from Kem Kem Basin Morocco – With Certificate of Authenticity - Image 2

Orthoceras Fossil Plaque – Genuine Nautiloid Cephalopod – Cretaceous Fossil from Kem Kem Basin Morocco – With Certificate of Authenticity

£15.60

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

 

Specimen: Othoceras Plaque

Age: Cretaceous

Location: Kem Kem Basin, Morocco

Size (picture scale cube=1cm): 158 x 77 x 32mm (6.22 x 3.03 x 1.26 inches)

 

Orthoceras is a genus of extinct nautiloid cephalopods that lived during the Middle Ordovician period and was found in the marine limestones of the Baltic States and Sweden. This genus is also known as Orthoceratites, and it is important to note that it is sometimes misspelled as Orthocera, Orthocerus or Orthoceros.

 

Initially believed to have a global distribution, Orthoceras was commonly used as a wastebasket taxon for several species of conical-shelled nautiloids throughout the Paleozoic and Triassic eras. However, nowadays, Orthoceras sensu stricto refers to O. regulare, found in the Ordovician-aged Baltic Sea limestones of Sweden and nearby areas.

 

These shells are slender and elongated, with the middle of the body chamber transversely constricted and a subcentral orthochoanitic siphuncle. The surface is adorned with a network of delicate lirae. Michelinoceras includes many other very similar species.

 

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.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: FP9825 Category:

Description

Add a captivating piece of natural history to your collection with this genuine Orthoceras fossil plaque, sourced from the world-famous Kem Kem Basin in Morocco. This plaque features the fossilised remains of an extinct marine cephalopod—Orthoceras, one of Earth’s oldest ocean predators.

Fossil & Geological Information:

  • Specimen: Orthoceras (Nautiloid Cephalopod) Fossil Plaque
  • Age: Cretaceous Period (~145 to 66 million years ago)
  • Location: Kem Kem Basin, Morocco
  • Phylum: Mollusca
  • Class: Cephalopoda
  • Subclass: Nautiloidea
  • Scale Cube = 1cm – See photo for full sizing
  • Certificate of Authenticity Included

What is Orthoceras?

Orthoceras is an extinct genus of nautiloid cephalopods that thrived in the world’s oceans from the Ordovician to Triassic periods, with species persisting for hundreds of millions of years. These marine animals are related to modern squid, octopus, cuttlefish, and nautilus, but are distinguished by their long, straight (orthoconic) shells.

The fossilised shell typically shows a long tapering cone, segmented into chambers. These chambers were filled with gas or fluid to control buoyancy, much like a modern nautilus. A visible siphuncle—a central tube running through the chambers—helped regulate this buoyancy.

Orthoceras fossils are easily recognisable by their:

  • Straight, tapered shell
  • Central siphuncle
  • Delicate ribbing and subtle growth lines
  • Beautiful black/grey matrix, often polished for display

Although Orthoceras is often associated with the Ordovician Period, the term has historically been applied to a wide variety of nautiloid species from other periods as well, especially in the commercial fossil trade. The Moroccan fossil specimens sold under this name are usually nautiloid relatives from Devonian or Cretaceous formations, such as those found in the Kem Kem beds.

About the Kem Kem Basin:

The Kem Kem fossil beds in southeastern Morocco are a globally significant site for Cretaceous vertebrate and invertebrate fossils. While the area is most famous for dinosaur material, it also yields marine fossils, including Orthoceras, which became preserved in dark limestone and later polished into elegant fossil plaques.

Why Collect Orthoceras Fossils?

Orthoceras fossils are both scientifically fascinating and visually stunning, making them ideal for:

  • Fossil & mineral collections
  • Educational use and museum displays
  • Natural home décor
  • Meditation and energy work (believed to ground and stabilise energy)

This hand-selected polished plaque showcases one or more complete Orthoceras shells embedded in their natural matrix, offering a striking presentation for display.

Key Features:

  • 100% genuine Orthoceras fossil in polished matrix plaque
  • From the Cretaceous strata of the Kem Kem Basin, Morocco
  • Excellent detail of shell structure and central siphuncle
  • Includes Certificate of Authenticity
  • Exact specimen shown – professionally photographed and carefully selected
  • Scale cube = 1cm – see photo for full dimensions
  • Colour may vary slightly due to lighting and monitor settings
  • Fossils may be gently propped for photography
  • Listing will be updated with a new similar item once sold

Bring home a timeless relic of the ancient oceans with this stunning Orthoceras fossil plaque—an elegant reminder of life that ruled the seas over 100 million years ago.

Additional information

Era

Devonian
Origin

Morocco

Devonian Information

The Devonian Period (419–359 million years ago), known as the "Age of Fishes," was a time of major evolutionary advances in both marine and terrestrial life. The oceans were dominated by armored placoderm fish, early sharks, and lobe-finned fish like Tiktaalik, which had features that helped vertebrates transition to land. Coral reefs flourished, and ammonites became more diverse. On land, the first forests appeared, with early trees like Archaeopteris, leading to a drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate cooling. The first tetrapods (four-legged vertebrates) began evolving from fish, marking a critical step in the evolution of amphibians. The period ended with the Devonian extinction, likely caused by ocean anoxia and climate shifts, wiping out many marine species and reshaping ecosystems.

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