White Spine Ammonite Fossil with Ribbed Detail

Discover the fascinating beauty of this White Spine Ammonite Fossil from Madagascar. Its warm cream and sandy-brown tones highlight the intricate ribbed pattern that follows the curve of its coiled shell. The raised ridges, central spiral and contrasting mineral textures give this specimen a distinctive appearance, while its naturally preserved features reveal details of an ancient marine animal that lived millions of years ago.

The Details You Need

✓ Fossil Type: White Spine Ammonite
✓ Scientific Identification: Cleoniceras sp.
✓ Age: Early Cretaceous, approximately 110 million years
✓ Origin: Near Sakaraha, Madagascar
✓ Size: 55 mm × 64 mm × 15 mm
✓ Weight: 68 grams
✓ Features: Prominent ribbed shell, visible spiral and natural mineral patterns
✓ Condition: Natural fossil with an irregular shell outline and areas of missing shell material; please refer to the photographs for the specimen's individual condition

The Story Behind the Fossil

Ammonites were marine cephalopods that inhabited the world's oceans for millions of years. Related to modern-day squid, octopuses and nautiluses, these fascinating animals lived inside coiled shells divided into chambers. As an ammonite grew, it formed new chambers, gradually creating the distinctive spiral shape that makes these fossils so recognisable today.

This specimen dates to the Early Cretaceous, approximately 110 million years ago, when Madagascar was part of a world very different from the one we know today. Ancient seas supported a rich diversity of marine life, including ammonites, fish and marine reptiles.

After the animal died, its shell could become buried beneath layers of sediment. Over millions of years, geological processes helped preserve its structure, leaving behind the fossil we can appreciate today. The pronounced ribs and visible coiling of this specimen offer a fascinating glimpse into the growth and structure of an ancient marine animal.

Madagascar: A Treasure Trove of Fossils

Madagascar is well known among fossil collectors for its remarkable geological heritage and rich fossil deposits. Its rocks preserve evidence of ancient marine environments, providing valuable insights into the creatures that inhabited prehistoric seas.

The warm, earthy colours and distinctive ribbed pattern of this White Spine Ammonite make it a particularly appealing specimen for collectors who appreciate both geological history and natural form. Its individual surface markings and preserved shell structure give it a character that cannot be replicated by modern decorative pieces.

Add a spiral of ancient history to your collection. This White Spine Ammonite Fossil offers a tangible connection to a marine world that existed millions of years before humans. Make this distinctive specimen part of your collection and enjoy a small but extraordinary reminder of Earth's prehistoric past.