Name: Desmoceras
latidorsatum
Phylum Mollusca; Class Cephalopoda; Subclass Ammonoidea;
Order Ammonitida
Geological
Time: Middle Cretaceous, Albian Stage (150 mya)
Size (25.4
mm = 1 inch): 47 mm and 43 mm diameter Matrix: 72 mm by 43 mm
Location:
Mahajanga, Madagascar
| Description:
This fine ammonite pair is called Desmoceras latidorsatum from Madagascar
which has much of the original iridescent shell present. This iridescence
is a consequence of light passing through the various layers of aragonite
and conchiolin deposited by the ammonite in life. The lack of acidity
in the depositional environment allowed them to be preserved as you
see it here. Notice the play of colors when the viewer’s aspect
changes. |
|
