Orthoceras

Orthoceras.
Age: Silurian (420 million years ago)
Location: Tafilalt, morocco

The most popular fossil we stock. These beauties fly off the shelves. They are loved by everyone from jewelry makers, to children starting their first collections, and are also our most popular gift item.

Orthceras, or orthocones, are a type of extinct nautiloid. They were a squid like animal, which lived at the very top of a chambered shell. A small tissue called a siphuncle runs through the centre of the shell and was used to control the animals buoyancy in the water. The siphuncle is sometimes very obvious in these samples, but is not always present, due to the way the marble has been cut. These have been drilled at the top and can be used as pendants or keyrings.

Average weight, 9g. All prices are per item. Photographs are representative of the items on offer, but the item you buy may not be the one in the photograph