Fossil - Ammonite, XS size

Fossil - Ammonite, XS size, single piece

An attractive species of ammonite (Beudanticeras beudanti) from the Cretaceous period, during the Alba and Cenomanum stages, about 112.6-89.3 million years ago. The small-sized ammonite is partially covered by a layer of pyrite. Its surface shimmers with a dull metallic sheen. Ammonites (Ammonoidea) were ancient marine animals included in the main period of molluscs and in that class of cephalopods, which resembled the present-day pearl boats (Nautiloidea) in appearance , but were still more closely related to octopuses (Coleoidea). Ammonites appeared about 400 million years ago, at the turn of the Silurian and Devonian periods, and became extinct in the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period 65 million years ago. The ammonite is in moderate condition. Age-related wear. Fractures and chip. Dirt and dust. Size approx. 19mm x 31mm x 7mm. Weight approx. 10g.

Symbol meaning

The scientific name of ammonites refers to their planar spiral-shaped, fossilized calcareous shell somewhat resembling a ram's horn. Gaius Plinius Secundus (23 CE – autumn 79), better known as Pliny the Elder, called the fossils of these ancient animals "hammonis cornu" ("Horns of Amon"), a reference to the Egyptian sun god Amon (Ammon) whose sacred animals were rams is known to be. The scientific name of several ammonite species ends with the term -ceras, which is Greek and means horn (κέρας).

The golden ratio was first studied by ancient Greek mathematicians after noticing that the ratio appears in several geometric patterns. It plays an important role not only in mathematics but also in aesthetics, architecture, art, nature and music. Shapes that feature the golden section are generally perceived as aesthetically pleasing. One of the most important features of ammonites is their spiral shape. The golden ratio is also closely related to the Fibonacci number sequence, where each number is the sum of the previous two numbers. In his book (Liber Abaci) published in 1202, Fibonacci presents his famous sequence of numbers. In that case, the ratio of two consecutive numbers is closer to the golden ratio, the further you go in the series of numbers, i.e. the limit value of this ratio is the same as the ratio of the golden ratio. The shape of ammonites has been said to closely resemble the Fibonacci spiral drawn on the basis of the Fibonacci sequence. Ammonites have also been seen depicting a coiled snake. An ancient legend says that St. Hilda of Whitby (around 614 – 680) used to turn the snakes frolicking on the shores into stones (i.e. ammonites) by the power of prayer. They were carved with a snake's head and the sacred amulet was believed to protect its wearer from snake bites, blindness and other ailments. Ammonites, like other fossils, concretely remind you of the importance of transition processes, transformation and personal growth, helping you to understand the mystery of life and the destiny of time.

Ritual use

Ammonites have been used throughout history as protective amulets. Pliny the Elder believed that ammonites would induce sleep if one were placed under the head of the sleeping person. On an altar or as a portable amulet, these ancient fossils help you move from the old to the new, from the past to the future.

Note! Millions of years old ammonites are fragile. Fossils are natural products, j so each of them is its own unique individual, there is no other like it. Because of this, colors, shapes and brightness may vary. The condition varies from moderate to good and they have wear, fractures and small chips typical of fossils.