Ammonites – The Fossilized Titans

Over 66 million years ago, Ammonites ruled the ancient oceans. These relatives of modern squid and octopuses had tightly coiled shells, often displaying intricate patterns and ridges. Some species grew to the size of a tractor tire, while others were small and delicate.

Fossilized ammonites are found worldwide and have been used by geologists to date rock layers. In some cultures, they were thought to be coiled snakes turned to stone or magical relics with healing properties. The extinction of ammonites at the end of the Cretaceous period coincided with the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Although Ammonites no longer roam the seas, their legacy lives on in their fossilized remains, inspiring scientists and collectors alike.