RARE Iridescent Baculites Fossil Ammonite – Santonian, Cretaceous, South Dakota, USA – Genuine Specimen with COA

Description

This is a rare iridescent Baculites fossil ammonite, dating back to the Santonian stage of the Late Cretaceous period (~86-83 million years ago), discovered in South Dakota, USA. Baculites are a genus of straight-shelled ammonites that thrived in the vast Western Interior Seaway, an ancient inland sea that covered much of North America during the Cretaceous.

This particular specimen exhibits a striking natural iridescence, caused by the fossilization process that preserved its original nacre (mother-of-pearl) layer. Fossils with this kind of preservation are highly sought after due to their stunning visual appeal and scientific significance.

Baculites played an essential role in Cretaceous marine ecosystems, serving as an important food source for mosasaurs and other large marine reptiles. Their straight shells provided unique adaptations compared to their coiled relatives, allowing them to drift in ocean currents.

Geological Information:

• Formation: Western Interior Seaway Deposits
• Stage: Santonian, Late Cretaceous (~86-83 million years old)
• Location: South Dakota, USA
• Depositional Environment: Marine seafloor with fine-grained sedimentation

Fossil Characteristics:

• Straight-shelled ammonite with well-preserved suture patterns
• Natural iridescent nacre, reflecting beautiful colors
• Exceptional preservation from the Cretaceous seas of North America
• Highly collectible fossil with aesthetic and scientific value

Key Features:

• Authentic Baculites fossil ammonite with iridescence
• Rare and visually striking specimen from the Late Cretaceous
• From the Alice Purnell Collection
• 100% genuine specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Scale Rule / Cube = 1cm – Please refer to the photos for accurate sizing.

All fossils are securely packaged for worldwide shipping.