Ammonite

3D Model

Ammonites are extinct marine mollusks found worldwide, with Morocco being a prime location for well-preserved specimens. These fossils, dating from the Devonian to the Cretaceous period (around 400 to 66 million years ago), are abundant in the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert regions. Moroccan ammonites are typically fossilized in limestone, often polished to reveal intricate spiral patterns.

Common genera include Cleoniceras, Douvilleiceras, and Phylloceras, prized for their aesthetic beauty and scientific value. Some Moroccan ammonites exhibit pyritization, giving them a metallic sheen, while others are encased in geodes, adding visual appeal.

The local fossil trade is significant, supporting entire communities involved in extraction, preparation, and sales. However, as with trilobites, the market faces authenticity concerns due to fabricated or enhanced specimens. This was made from a real fossil with an artec spider 3D-Scanner.