Barroisiceras sp. - Ammonite
Quick Facts
What is an Ammonite?
Ammonites are an extinct group of marine cephalopod mollusks, related to modern-day octopuses, squid, and nautiluses. They are characterized by their iconic, multi-chambered, spiral shells. They were abundant predators in the world's oceans for hundreds of millions of years before going extinct along with the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period.
Anatomy & Characteristics
Ammonites are one of the most important index fossils in the world. Because different species evolved and went extinct relatively quickly, their presence in a rock layer allows paleontologists to date that layer with great precision. Barroisiceras is a key index fossil used to identify the Coniacian Stage of the Late Cretaceous Period.
The Austin Chalk The Austin Chalk is a famous geological formation deposited in the Western Interior Seaway, a vast, shallow sea that once covered the center of North America. Fossils from the chalk are often preserved as internal molds, or steinkerns. This means that after the ammonite died, fine chalky sediment filled its shell. The original aragonitic shell then dissolved away, leaving a perfect limestone cast of its internal structure, often beautifully preserving the intricate suture patterns.
Metaphysical & Elemental Associations (The following information is based on metaphysical beliefs, not scientific study.)
- Scientific Name: Barroisiceras sp.
- Common Name: Ammonite
- Geological Period: Late Cretaceous (Coniacian Stage)
- Age: Approx. 89.8 to 86.3 Million Years Old
- Location Found: Austin, Texas, USA
- Formation: Austin Chalk
- Fossil Type: Internal mold (steinkern) made of chalk/limestone.
What is an Ammonite?
Ammonites are an extinct group of marine cephalopod mollusks, related to modern-day octopuses, squid, and nautiluses. They are characterized by their iconic, multi-chambered, spiral shells. They were abundant predators in the world's oceans for hundreds of millions of years before going extinct along with the dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period.
Anatomy & Characteristics
- Shell (Conch): The ammonite lived in the last and largest chamber of its shell, sealing off older, smaller chambers (camerae) as it grew.
- Suture Lines: The walls separating the chambers, called septa, met the outer shell wall in complex, wrinkled patterns known as suture lines. The complexity of these sutures is a key feature of true ammonites.
- Features: This specific genus is typically a compressed (flattened) ammonite. Its shell is characterized by strong, distinct ribs and often features prominent knobs or tubercles, especially along the venter (the outer edge of the coil).
Ammonites are one of the most important index fossils in the world. Because different species evolved and went extinct relatively quickly, their presence in a rock layer allows paleontologists to date that layer with great precision. Barroisiceras is a key index fossil used to identify the Coniacian Stage of the Late Cretaceous Period.
The Austin Chalk The Austin Chalk is a famous geological formation deposited in the Western Interior Seaway, a vast, shallow sea that once covered the center of North America. Fossils from the chalk are often preserved as internal molds, or steinkerns. This means that after the ammonite died, fine chalky sediment filled its shell. The original aragonitic shell then dissolved away, leaving a perfect limestone cast of its internal structure, often beautifully preserving the intricate suture patterns.
Metaphysical & Elemental Associations (The following information is based on metaphysical beliefs, not scientific study.)
- Associated Chakras: Root (Muladhara) & Third Eye (Ajna)
The spiral shape of the ammonite is a powerful symbol of evolution, change, and the cycles of life. It connects to the Root Chakra, providing a grounding energy that anchors one to Earth's ancient history. It also stimulates the Third Eye Chakra, helping to clear the mind and promote vision, especially in understanding life's patterns and pathways. - Natural Elements: Water & Earth
Ammonites embody a perfect balance of the Water and Earth elements. The Water connection comes from their origin in the ancient seas, bringing energies of flow, intuition, and emotion. The Earth connection comes from their transformation into stone, providing stability, grounding, and ancient wisdom. - Zodiac Sign: Aquarius & Cancer
The ammonite resonates with the intellectual and forward-thinking sign of Aquarius, helping them to see the grand patterns of the past to innovate for the future. It is also connected to the water sign Cancer, which is associated with home, protection (the shell), and a deep connection to ancestry and the past.
