Description
Enhance your fossil collection with this authentic and beautifully preserved Orthoceras vagans fossil orthocone, originating from the Devonian period and discovered in the renowned Hammar Laghdad site, near Erfoud, Morocco. This striking fossil represents an extinct genus of straight-shelled cephalopods, known for their long, conical shells and fascinating internal chamber structures.
Fossil Type: Orthocone Cephalopod
Species: Orthoceras vagans
Geological Period: Devonian (~419 to 359 million years ago)
Location: Hammar Laghdad, Anti-Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Scale Rule: Squares/Cube = 1cm (See photo for full sizing details)
Specimen: Actual item pictured is the specimen you will receive
Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity
Geological and Paleontological Information
Orthoceras vagans is an extinct nautiloid cephalopod from the Order Orthocerida, which flourished in the world’s oceans during the Paleozoic Era. These marine invertebrates had long, straight shells composed of calcite and were divided internally into chambers. The animal inhabited the last chamber, with the earlier chambers used for buoyancy control via a siphuncle running through the center.
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Orthocerida
- Family: Orthoceratidae
- Superfamily: Orthocerataceae
- Geological Stage: Likely from the Emsian to Givetian stages of the Middle Devonian (stratigraphic confirmation not provided)
- Depositional Environment: Marine platform setting, part of a shallow epicontinental sea that covered the region; fossil-bearing layers consist mostly of black limestone and mudstone
- Morphological Features: Long, straight conical shell (orthocone) with internal chambers; central siphuncle visible in some specimens; external ornamentation may include growth lines and faint ribbing
- Notable: Hammar Laghdad is internationally known for its abundant and well-preserved Devonian marine fossils, especially orthocones and trilobites
- Biozone: No specific biozone designation without exact stratigraphic layer
- Identifier: While Orthoceras was first described in the 18th century, species-level classification such as vagans typically references work by subsequent 19th and early 20th-century paleontologists
Why This Specimen Stands Out
This particular Orthoceras vagans specimen has been carefully selected for its quality and visibility of features. The polished surface highlights the internal chambering and linear form that make orthocones so iconic. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to paleontology, this piece is both educational and decorative.
Why Buy From Us?
- 100% genuine fossil guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity
- You receive exactly the item shown in the photo
- Sourced from reputable locations and suppliers
- Suitable for display, educational purposes, or gifting
Own a real fragment of prehistoric ocean life — this Orthoceras vagans fossil from the Devonian seas of Morocco is a remarkable relic from over 400 million years ago, perfect for showcasing the beauty and mystery of Earth’s ancient past.
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