Orthoceras fossils are dated back to the Silurian Age 400 + million years ago and are the earliest recognizable animals. They are ancestors to the modern day squid. Even though they were among the earliest forms of life, this class of nautiloid is still considered one of the most intelligent forms of ocean life. The Orthoceras ranged in size from a few inches in length to over six feet! They could swim as well as crawl on the ocean floor. By filling the chambers in their shells with air they could float through the seas propelling themselves by squirting jets of water. As they died their shells accumulated upon the ocean floor, then covered by sediments they transformed into stone over the ages. Having a long straight shell their fossils have an iridescent gemlike quality when polished. These Orthoceras specimens are from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. |
|
| Large partial Orthoceras specimen in matrix. Many other fossils visible.
Overall Size 10" X 6.5" -- Weight 7 lbs |
|
|
| Two fossilized Orthoceras specimens in native matrix. Other fossil specimens visible. Overall Size 5" X 4" |
|
|
| Orthoceras death cluster on native matrix. Several specimens to view. Overall size 5" X 4" |
|
|
| Two Orthoceras specimens visible on native matrix. Overall Size 5.5" X 3" |
|
|
| Rustic Orthoceras death cluster on native matrix. Several small specimens visible. Overall Size 3.5" X 3" |
|
|
| Two detailed Orthoceras specimens on native matrix. Overall Size 6" X 3.5" |
|
|
| Unusual Orthoceras death cluster. Specimens on top and bottom. Much to look at and study. Overall Size 5" X 4.5" |
|
|
| Partial Orthoceras specimen on native matrix. Overall Size 5" X 3.5" |
|
|
| Detailed Orthoceras specimen on native matrix. Overall Size 5.5" X 3" |
|
|
|