As with most animals, availability of resources is a limiting factor in growth, which is why certain species at specific locations are smaller or larger than their compatriots. The most popular ammonites that circulate through the general public and the scientific community are in the range of 1 inch to a foot in diameter.

Had it's living chamber been complete it is estimated it would have been 8.4 feet wide. The world's largest ammonite fossil, a 5.9 foot wide specimen of the species Parapuzosia seppenradensis at the Museum of Natural History in Münster. These ginormous species have been found in Europe and Mexico, painting an interesting picture of the resource availability of both locations to allow for such incredible growth. Some of the smallest ammonites measure less than an inch long, opposed to the largest which could reach diameters of almost 3 meters (9 feet). These specimens are amazing when bisected and polished.Īmmonites had a wide range of sizes that varied depending on location and prey preference. Depending on the mineral composition of the sand in which the ammonite fossilizes, gnarly pockets of calcite crystals and agate have been known to appear. The composition of the seafloor was such that sediments and bacteria quickly enveloped a dead organism where oxygen was then leached from the sand, concreting the shell and preserving it. A major facet of why ammonites are so prevalent in the fossil record is that they lived in shallow seas and spent their lives near the ocean floor, where they inevitably settled as they died. Because of their prevalence throughout the Paleozoic and Mesozoic age, rapid evolutionary radiation and their calciferous shell composition, they make excellent candidates for fossilization and are a useful tool to properly age geologic formations. The easiest way though is to find ammonites online on Collector's Secret ! If you need some information about ammonite collecting spots, go and join some fossil forums online, many collectors will be able to help you.Ammonites just happened to have the “right stuff” to maintain their lineage throughout a wide range of habitats and over a span of nearly 200 million years. Many are found in Morocco, some in the shores of England, in Australia and many other countries. Where to find ammonite fossils ?Īmmonite fossils are foundable in many parts of the world in the sedimentary rocks of the Devonian. And a Lyme Regis Gold Pyrite Ammonite Death-Bed Fossil should be at only $20. Some examples : an ammonite Acanthohoplites Nodosohoplites fossil from Russia will be found around $150. Most of them are below $100 though and the commonest ammonites are very affordable. You want to acquire an ammonite and would like to know its worth ? Well, the largest ammonites with special characters can fetch a very high value above $1,000. But you will find here many other ammonite shells, like the splendid iridescent ammonite fossil. We select all kind of large ammonites, including the much sought-after opalized ammonites. On this page, you will find our selection of rare and interesting ammonites currently available online. A selection of ammonite fossils for collectors Ammonite fossils are very popular among fossil collectors for their variety and beauty. When did ammonites become extinct ? In the last centuries of the Cretaceous. They were close cousins to Nautilus species who still live today. NICE AMMONITES FOR COLLECTORS:Īmmonites are extinct cephalopods who lived in the Palaeozoic and the Mesozoic, their fossils are regularly found nowadays. Ammonite fossils listed everyday, add this page to your favorites.

Opalized ammonite fossil