Perisphinctid Ammonite Fossil

Name: Perisphinctid Ammonite Fossil
Brand: kenmic
Availability: LimitedAvailability

A large, spiral-shaped ammonite fossil, approximately 17.5 cm in diameter, showing distinct ribbing on a brown and beige stone surface. - view 1

1/3

Ordinary (3/10)

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QUICK FACTS

DESCRIPTION

This is a large, fossilized shell of an ammonite, an extinct marine cephalopod. The specimen displays a classic planispiral coil with prominent, regular ribs (costae) radiating from the center. It has been prepared from its rock matrix to reveal the shell's form. The fossil is preserved in a light brown and beige stone.

CULTURAL ECHOES

Where This Object Echoes

Ancient Greece & RomeClassical Antiquity

The spiral form was associated with the horn of the god Ammon (Amun), leading Pliny the Elder to name them 'ammonis cornua' (horns of Ammon).

Medieval EuropeMiddle Ages

In England, they were called 'snakestones' and thought to be petrified coiled snakes. Legends claimed they were snakes turned to stone by saints like St. Hilda.

Himalayan RegionsAncient to Present

In Nepal and India, spherical, black ammonite fossils called 'shaligrams' are considered sacred representations of the god Vishnu.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

•In modern times, ammonites are collected for their aesthetic beauty and scientific interest, often displayed in homes as natural art or used in 'crystal healing' practices for supposed energy benefits.

Meaning Through Time

Antiquity

Symbol of a deity (Horns of Ammon).

Medieval Period

A cursed or miraculous object (petrified snake).

Renaissance/Enlightenment

A subject of scientific inquiry, key to understanding geology and evolution ('figure stone').

Modern Era

A decorative object, a collector's item, and a tangible connection to deep time.

HISTORICAL STORY

Ammonites were predatory mollusks that lived in the world's oceans from the Devonian to the Cretaceous periods, disappearing around 66 million years ago in the same extinction event that killed the dinosaurs. Their fossilized shells are found worldwide and are prized by collectors. This particular ...

DID YOU KNOW?

The name 'ammonite' comes from the spiral shape of their shells, which were thought to resemble the coiled horn of the Egyptian god Ammon.

Ammonites created new shell chambers as they grew, living only in the outermost chamber. The inner, gas-filled chambers helped them control their buoyancy, much like a modern submarine.

MATERIAL & CONDITION

Surface

A rough, matte surface with a grainy texture typical of fossilized stone. The prominent, rounded ribs give the object a corrugated feel.

Weight & Feel

Substantial and heavy for its size. Likely weighs several pounds (2-4 kg) as it is solid mineralized stone.

Condition

The fossil is in a 'natural' state, meaning unpolished. There is a significant break on the outer whorl, and some smaller chips and erosional wear are visible across the surface.

RARITY ANALYSIS

Ordinary40-55%

CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Typical Characteristics

Moderate production runs
Common at estate sales
Entry-level collectibles

ESTIMATED VALUE

$50 - $90

Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Market comparables from auctions & retail
Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
Current collector demand & trends
Low = quick sale, High = patient seller

For informational purposes only—not a formal appraisal.

CONTEXT ANALYSIS

How your provided context compares with Curiosa.com scanner findings.

What Aligned

User provenance of 'Madagascar' is consistent with the visual characteristics of the fossil, as this region is a famous source for this type of ammonite.
The stated age of 'Upper Jura, 150 Miljoen' aligns with the morphology, which is characteristic of ammonite genera like Perisphinctes from that period.
The stated size of '17.5cm' is confirmed by the ruler visible in the images.
The 'Natural' condition described by the user accurately reflects the unpolished state and visible breakage of the fossil.