Ammonite Stand

Ammonites
Timeline: Devonian - Cretaceous (409 - 66 million years ago) 

Size: 0.2 - 350 centimetres diameter
Range: Found Worldwide
Habitat: Shallow and coastal regions of oceans
Diet: Carnivorous

Ammonites are a group of extinct marine molluscs, closely related to modern day octopuses and squids. Before their extinction, they were one of the most successful and diverse groups of animals on earth. Scientists have identified more than 10,000 species from fossils found nearly everywhere on the planet where oceans once existed. Hollow chambers within the shell helped them stay buoyant above the seabed, and they could travel by squirting water to propel themselves in one direction. 

The largest species of ammonite is Parapuzosia seppenradensis. A partial fossil of this species was found in Germany in 1895 and suggests that, if complete, the shells of these creatures could reach between 8 - 11 ft in diameter! Because ammonites were so common and evolved so rapidly they are a useful tool for both palaeontologists and geologists to help determine the age of the rocks they were fossilised in.

Before we understood that fossilised ammonites were the remains of ancient mollusks, there were plenty of theories surrounding the mysterious objects. One of the common explanations in England was that they were coiled-up snakes that had been turned to stone, earning them the nickname 'snakestones'. Early Greeks saw ammonites as sacred symbols associated with the horned god, Jupiter Ammon, from which the scientific name "ammonite" is derived.

This Ammonite (180 million years old) has been mounted on a bespoke solid oak stand.

Base: Solid European Oak, locally sourced from our Cheshire-based supplier and specially selected for a smooth grain. Hand-finished to order in our studio with an optional black wood stain or traditional beeswax varnish.

Mount: Stainless steel with stunning black lacquer coat for long-lasting protection

Base Dimensions: 22 x 13 x 3 cm

Our stands are handcrafted in Cheshire and are designed to cradle the specimen, offering a 360° perspective and highlighting its best features while still preserving the natural form.

The picture shown is an example of the quality that you can expect to receive. Please be aware that, as these are natural products, they are subject to some variation.

We work closely with reputable suppliers all over the world to source high quality, genuine specimens. Each fossil comes with a certificate of authenticity documenting the provenance of each specimen, including the age and location where it was discovered.