Red Iridescent Ammonite - Madagascar

The Cleoniceras sp. of ammonites has gained popularity over the years. Many collectors enjoy the brilliant flashes of color that are showcased on its shell. These iridescent colors are caused by light reflecting off layers of fossilized aragonite. The most highly prized specimens are excavated from the Bearpaw Formation in Alberta, Canada. These creatures lived during the Cretaceous Period, specifically around 110 million years ago. Ammonites are an extinct group of marine animals named after the Egyptian god Amun who is famous for his "Ram's Horns." These sea creatures had soft bodies with tentacles. Their shells were chambered allowing them to propel themselves through the water. This species of ammonites is characterized by its ribbed shells and white exterior. There have been more than 10,000 species of ammonites identified, but none lived past the Cretaceous Period (145.5 to 66 million years ago), dying out along with the last of the dinosaurs. These interesting sea creatures surv