Choose Your SpecimenAmmonites
·Real Fossil
Polished Desmoceras Ammonite
- Real Fossil
- 110 million years
- Ships worldwide
£27.49
● In stock — dispatched within 2 working days
A beautifully polished Early Cretaceous ammonite featuring intricate suture patterns and rich calcite mineralisation. A 110-million-year-old natural masterpiece.
Choose Your Exact Specimen
You will receive the exact fossil shown for your chosen specimen.
Only 1 of this specimen — once it's gone, it's gone.
Specimen Record
DTF-9226A1A1-DC0E8400Exact specimen — your selection
Each option is photographed individually; you receive the specimen you select.
- Species
- Democeras sp.
- Identification confidence
- Not recorded
- Age
- 110 million years
- Geological period
- Early Cretaceous
- Formation
- Not specified
- Locality
- Likely Madagascar (consistent with Democeras deposits)
- Dimensions
- Width: 7cm. Height: 5.6cm. Depth: 3.3cm
- Weight
- Not recorded
Condition & Treatment
- Repair
- Not recorded
- Restoration
- Not recorded
- Stabilisation
- Not recorded
- Polishing
- Not recorded
- Composite
- Not recorded
"Not recorded" means we hold no verified record for that detail — it is not a claim either way.
Curator Note
These specimens are notable for their ‘inflated’ morphology and the high contrast between the dark mineralised sutures and the lighter calcite infill. Many pieces features open vugs or crystal cavities, offering a rare glimpse into the geode-like interior of the fossilised shell.
At a Glance
Type
Genuine fossil
Display
Excellent — the broad, inflated shape allows for stable display on a shelf or plinth.
About This Fossil
The Democeras ammonite is a testament to the architectural brilliance of prehistoric marine life. A cephalopod of the Early Cretaceous, it navigated the tropical oceans using a sophisticated system of buoyancy and jet propulsion. Unlike many of its more slender relatives, Democeras is characterised by a heavy, inflated shell, which provided it with a distinctively bold profile.
This particular specimen has been meticulously polished to reveal the hidden artistry beneath the surface. The process exposes the intricate suture patterns—complex, fern-like traces that mark where the internal chamber walls met the outer shell. These lines are not merely decorative; they were vital structural elements that allowed the animal to withstand the pressures of the deep sea. Each piece serves as a remarkable fusion of scientific history and natural aesthetic beauty.
Formation & Preservation
After the animal’s death, its shell settled upon the ancient seafloor where it was gradually entombed by sediment. Over millions of years, mineral-rich groundwater permeated the buried shell, slowly precipitating minerals into the hollow buoyancy chambers. This permineralisation process replaced the organic voids with solid calcite, often in rich shades of amber, honey, and cream.
In some instances, the chambers did not fill entirely, leaving hollow pockets where large, translucent calcite crystals were able to grow undisturbed over geological spans of time. The resulting transformation from a biological shell to a mineralised treasure preserves the exact geometry of the living creature.
What Makes This Specimen Special
These specimens are notable for their ‘inflated’ morphology and the high contrast between the dark mineralised sutures and the lighter calcite infill. Many pieces features open vugs or crystal cavities, offering a rare glimpse into the geode-like interior of the fossilised shell.
Authenticity & Sourcing
Real vs Replica
- This is a genuine fossil — not a replica unless clearly stated. Clearly described and honestly presented.
- You will receive the exact specimen you select.
Ethical Sourcing
- Sourced from established suppliers and known commercial sites. We do not buy from localities we know to be protected, scientifically restricted, or subject to export controls. Origin and sourcing information is shared where known.
- ✓We will not knowingly handle specimens removed in breach of any country's heritage or export laws.
Origin & Natural Variation
Stated origin (Likely Madagascar (consistent with Democeras deposits)) and formation (Not specified) are based on supplier information and available geological references. Identification can vary in certainty — especially for fragments — so where exact locality cannot be independently verified, we describe the formation rather than a single quarry.
Fossils are natural objects. Expect minor variation in colour, surface texture, and matrix, mineralisation and surface detail. Treatment information is shown under Condition & Treatment where it is recorded. “Not recorded” means we hold no verified record for that detail; it is not a claim that no treatment occurred.
Read our full authenticity & honest descriptions policy or the authenticity & sourcing clause in our terms.
Shipping, Returns & Packaging
• UK shipping: Free on orders of £50 or more. Standard £4.95 (Royal Mail Tracked 48, typically 2–3 working days after dispatch).
• International: Available worldwide. Rates at checkout.
• Packaging: Individually wrapped, cushioned, and boxed. Fragile specimens receive extra protection.
• Dispatch: Within 2 working days (framed, mounted, or made-to-order pieces take 1 additional working day).
• Returns: 30-day returns. Contact us first. Item must be in original condition.