Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

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Orthoceras and Gonatite Fossil Plaque 16" Devonian Morocco Genuine Display Specimen with COA
Orthoceras and Gonatite Fossil Plaque 16" Devonian Morocco Genuine Display Specimen with COA - Image 2
Orthoceras and Gonatite Fossil Plaque 16" Devonian Morocco Genuine Display Specimen with COA - Image 3
Orthoceras and Gonatite Fossil Plaque 16" Devonian Morocco Genuine Display Specimen with COA - Image 4

Orthoceras and Gonatite Fossil Plaque 16″ Devonian Morocco Genuine Display Specimen with COA

Original price was: £240.00.Current price is: £216.00.

Exceptional 16″ Orthoceras and Gonatite Fossil Plaque

This striking 16-inch fossil plaque showcases a beautiful association of Orthoceras and Gonatite fossils preserved together in their natural limestone matrix. Both fossil types represent ancient cephalopods that once thrived in the warm seas of the Devonian Period, over 350 million years ago. Carefully selected for its aesthetic and scientific appeal, this plaque makes an impressive addition to any fossil collection or display setting.

Each specimen we offer is a 100% genuine fossil and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photograph provided shows an example of the type and quality you will receive. A 1cm scale cube is included in the image for accurate size reference.

Geological Context and Age

This fossil plaque originates from the world-famous Devonian deposits of Morocco, dating between 419 and 359 million years ago. The Devonian is often referred to as the “Age of Fishes,” yet it was also a time of remarkable cephalopod diversity. The marine limestones in which these fossils are found were formed in shallow, tropical seas that covered much of what is now North Africa.

Over millions of years, the remains of these ancient sea creatures became mineralised, with their shells preserved in fine detail. The result is a spectacular fossil association that captures a moment from Earth’s distant past.

Fossil Type: Orthoceras

Orthoceras, meaning “straight horn,” are extinct nautiloid cephalopods belonging to the order Orthocerida. They are characterised by their long, straight, conical shells divided into internal chambers. These chambers were connected by a central siphuncle, which allowed the animal to control buoyancy in the water. Orthoceras were effective predators, moving through the seas in pursuit of smaller marine life.

On the plaque, the polished Orthoceras fossils display their chamber divisions clearly, revealing the internal architecture of these ancient creatures. The tapered, straight morphology contrasts beautifully against the limestone background, offering both scientific interest and decorative appeal.

Fossil Type: Gonatite

Gonatites are extinct ammonoid cephalopods belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea. Unlike Orthoceras, they possessed coiled shells with complex suture patterns where the chamber walls met the outer shell. These patterns are often visible on well-prepared specimens and are a hallmark of ammonoid evolution.

Gonatites are especially valued by collectors as they represent an important evolutionary step between the earlier straight-shelled nautiloids and the later, more elaborate ammonites. On this plaque, the Gonatite fossils add variation in shape and texture, with their distinctive spiral forms complementing the elongated Orthoceras.

Morphological and Scientific Features

  • Orthoceras: Long, straight shells with visible chamber partitions and siphuncle line.
  • Gonatite: Planispiral coiled shell with visible suture lines, representing an early stage of ammonoid development.
  • Matrix: Natural limestone, cut and polished to highlight the fossils while preserving authenticity.

The pairing of Orthoceras and Gonatites on a single plaque provides an educational insight into cephalopod diversity during the Devonian seas.

Display and Collectible Value

This 16″ plaque has been expertly prepared to bring out the fine details of both Orthoceras and Gonatite fossils. Its large size and striking fossil association make it an ideal centrepiece for display in the home, office, or educational setting. Each specimen is unique, with variations in fossil alignment and matrix pattern ensuring that no two plaques are exactly alike.

Collectors, educators, and interior decorators alike appreciate the natural artistry and geological significance of these Moroccan fossil plaques. Not only are they beautiful natural works of art, but they also represent an important chapter in the story of life on Earth.

This exceptional Orthoceras and Gonatite plaque combines history, science, and aesthetics in one unique fossil display.

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Description

Exceptional 16″ Orthoceras and Gonatite Fossil Plaque

This striking 16-inch fossil plaque showcases a beautiful association of Orthoceras and Gonatite fossils preserved together in their natural limestone matrix. Both fossil types represent ancient cephalopods that once thrived in the warm seas of the Devonian Period, over 350 million years ago. Carefully selected for its aesthetic and scientific appeal, this plaque makes an impressive addition to any fossil collection or display setting.

Each specimen we offer is a 100% genuine fossil and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photograph provided shows an example of the type and quality you will receive. A 1cm scale cube is included in the image for accurate size reference.

Geological Context and Age

This fossil plaque originates from the world-famous Devonian deposits of Morocco, dating between 419 and 359 million years ago. The Devonian is often referred to as the “Age of Fishes,” yet it was also a time of remarkable cephalopod diversity. The marine limestones in which these fossils are found were formed in shallow, tropical seas that covered much of what is now North Africa.

Over millions of years, the remains of these ancient sea creatures became mineralised, with their shells preserved in fine detail. The result is a spectacular fossil association that captures a moment from Earth’s distant past.

Fossil Type: Orthoceras

Orthoceras, meaning “straight horn,” are extinct nautiloid cephalopods belonging to the order Orthocerida. They are characterised by their long, straight, conical shells divided into internal chambers. These chambers were connected by a central siphuncle, which allowed the animal to control buoyancy in the water. Orthoceras were effective predators, moving through the seas in pursuit of smaller marine life.

On the plaque, the polished Orthoceras fossils display their chamber divisions clearly, revealing the internal architecture of these ancient creatures. The tapered, straight morphology contrasts beautifully against the limestone background, offering both scientific interest and decorative appeal.

Fossil Type: Gonatite

Gonatites are extinct ammonoid cephalopods belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea. Unlike Orthoceras, they possessed coiled shells with complex suture patterns where the chamber walls met the outer shell. These patterns are often visible on well-prepared specimens and are a hallmark of ammonoid evolution.

Gonatites are especially valued by collectors as they represent an important evolutionary step between the earlier straight-shelled nautiloids and the later, more elaborate ammonites. On this plaque, the Gonatite fossils add variation in shape and texture, with their distinctive spiral forms complementing the elongated Orthoceras.

Morphological and Scientific Features

  • Orthoceras: Long, straight shells with visible chamber partitions and siphuncle line.
  • Gonatite: Planispiral coiled shell with visible suture lines, representing an early stage of ammonoid development.
  • Matrix: Natural limestone, cut and polished to highlight the fossils while preserving authenticity.

The pairing of Orthoceras and Gonatites on a single plaque provides an educational insight into cephalopod diversity during the Devonian seas.

Display and Collectible Value

This 16″ plaque has been expertly prepared to bring out the fine details of both Orthoceras and Gonatite fossils. Its large size and striking fossil association make it an ideal centrepiece for display in the home, office, or educational setting. Each specimen is unique, with variations in fossil alignment and matrix pattern ensuring that no two plaques are exactly alike.

Collectors, educators, and interior decorators alike appreciate the natural artistry and geological significance of these Moroccan fossil plaques. Not only are they beautiful natural works of art, but they also represent an important chapter in the story of life on Earth.

This exceptional Orthoceras and Gonatite plaque combines history, science, and aesthetics in one unique fossil display.

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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