"Gem" Ammonite in Matrix Placenticeras costatum Late Cretaceous Bearpaw...

"Gem" Ammonite in Matrix Placenticeras costatum Late Cretaceous Bearpaw Formation Alberta, Canada Weighing 95 kilograms (209 pounds), this "Gem" Ammonite in Matrix is obviously larger and majestic. Both a collectible and decorative specimen, this stunner, out of the famed Bearpaw Formation of Canada, represents a Canadian national treasure of sorts, and the preserved material known as Ammolite is both a fossil and a gemstone. Dating back to the Late Cretaceous, such deposits of Calgary, Alberta, are known worldwide for the top quality material of the variety produced there. The 'classic' colors – red, gold, and greens – are all on display in the impressive example of Placenticeras costatum. The prepared offering is the product of expert restoration after mining and shows indications of work performed to result in the showpiece highlighted here. A prominent inflated ridge can be seen cutting across the shell, which does measure over 24 inches (61 cm) in diameter. Matrix pieces are highly sought after for their impactful and decorative appeal, but the variety also provides a wonderful associative context for the fossil in its host rock. The contrast of the vibrant, often iridescent, hues against the black coal shale really makes all the colors explode off the slick surface of the ancient cephalopod. This representation is full of bright hues, and the solid matrix uncharacteristically shows a wonderful cleavage texture not often seen in prepped specimens. The combination of size, colors, and quality results in a top-tier example of vivid Ammonite. Overall Measurements: 51.00 x 38.00 x 2.00 inches (129.54 x 96.52 x 5.08 cm) HID09710052018 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved