Rare Iridescent Baculites compressus Fossil Ammonite, Pierre Shale Montana USA Cretaceous

Description

Fossil Identification

This listing features a rare iridescent Baculites compressus fossil ammonite. Baculites is an extinct genus of ammonite, a group of marine cephalopods that lived during the Mesozoic Era. Unlike the tightly coiled shells associated with many ammonites, Baculites is widely recognized for its characteristic straight or gently curved shell form. The species identification supplied for this fossil is Baculites compressus.

The iridescent surface gives this specimen an especially attractive appearance for fossil collectors, natural history displays and ammonite enthusiasts. Iridescence in fossil shell material can create changing colour effects as the surface reflects light from different angles, making the specimen visually engaging under both natural and indoor lighting.

Geological Setting

This fossil is identified with the Pierre Shale, a well-known marine geological formation associated with the Cretaceous Period. The supplied age is Maastrichtian, the latest stage of the Cretaceous. The Pierre Shale was deposited in a marine environment, preserving fossils from an ancient seaway that covered broad areas of what is now central North America.

The Maastrichtian represents the closing interval of the Cretaceous before the transition into the Paleogene. Fossils from this stage are important to collectors and researchers because they document marine ecosystems near the end of the Mesozoic Era. Baculites fossils are particularly notable within the fossil record because they represent a distinctive ammonite form and help illustrate the diversity of ancient marine cephalopods.

Locality and Collection History

The associated location is Montana, USA. Montana is well known for important Cretaceous fossil-bearing exposures, including deposits connected with the ancient Western Interior Seaway. This locality information adds geological context to the specimen and makes it a compelling addition to collections focused on Cretaceous palaeontology, North American fossils or ammonite diversity.

From the Alice Purnell Collection

This specimen is suited to a private fossil collection, educational display, geology cabinet or natural history presentation. It can also serve as an attractive conversation piece for anyone interested in ammonites, extinct marine life, Cretaceous geology or fossils from the Pierre Shale. The specific species identification, geological formation and Maastrichtian age provide meaningful collecting context beyond the visual appeal of the iridescent shell.

Sizing and Photography

Full sizing is shown in the photographs. Please review the photographs carefully for the complete visual presentation of the actual fossil, including its form, surface character and visible features.

The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive.

Authenticity

This Fossil is a genuine specimen and Includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.