Red Fire Iridescent Cleoniceras Ammonite from the...

Red Opal Iridescent — An fossilized ammonite specimen of the genus Cleoniceras, from the famous Cretaceous deposits of Madagascar. This piece is not only a paleontological testament to extraordinary preservation, but also a rare natural beauty object, thanks to its polished surface that reveals spectacular iridescences. The shell has been skilfully sectioned to expose its complex internal structure and enhance the color play that makes it a unique piece. The logarithmic spiral form, perfectly preserved, is the iconic symbol of these ancient cephalopods. The surface, mirror-polished, enhances a rich range of warm colors, spanning from tobacco brown to translucent caramel. It is along the suture lines—the intricate partitions that separated the shell’s internal chambers—that the true magic of this fossil manifests. Here, the interference of light on the original aragonite layer, preserved by the fossilization process, produces an intense opalescence with fiery red dominates and orange flashes, which dance and change with the viewing angle. This magnificent specimen began its existence about 110 million years ago, navigating the oceans of the Albian (Early Cretaceous) period. After the organism’s death, its shell settled on the seabed and, under favorable environmental conditions, was covered by sediments. The fossilization process permineralized the structure, replacing organic tissues with minerals such as calcite. In Malagasy deposits, a layer of the original mother-of-pearl (aragonite) has often been preserved, giving rise to the phenomenon of iridescence, structurally similar to that of the precious organic gem Ammolite. In addition to its indisputable scientific value, this fossil is a highly prized collectible piece and a decoratively impactful element. Its natural elegance and vivid chromatics make it a perfect candidate for a contemporary Wunderkammer, a bookshelf, or as a focal point in a study. The specimen tells a story of eons, uniting nature’s geometric perfection with an explosion of color that seems almost alive. The preparation through partial cutting and careful polishing transforms an ancient find into a natural sculpture, capturing the light and the imagination of those who observe it.

Estimate:£150.69

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