The Nature Company - Fossil Round dish with Ammonite on Side 6"-7" from Morocco

All Categories > Fossils

Ammonites and goniatites are extinct members of the Cephalopod class. Modern members include nautilus, squid and octopus. They first appeared during the Silurian Period (435 million to 410 million years ago) and were abundant and widespread in the seas of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods (175 million to 65 million years ago). Ammonites are important index fossils that is, they often link the rock layer in which they are found to specific geological time periods. Ammonites varied greatly in size.

The largest known had a diameter of 1.7 m (5.6 ft) while other species were as small as 2 cm (0.75 in) in diameter. During the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, ammonites evolved more streamlined shells for swimming and the structure of the shell became stronger. Different shell shapes emerged as well, such as snail-like or uncoiled. These are very affordable and functional pieces of genuine fossil stoneware. Whether used personally or purchased as a gift, these bowls will surely be treasured handcrafted works of art.