Fossil Ammonite
Cleoniceras sp.
Cleoniceras sp. - Polished Fossil Ammonite
Quick Facts
Mineral Name: Calcite / Aragonite (Original Shell Material) with various mineral infills
Chemical Formula: CaCO₃ (Calcium Carbonate)
Mineral Class: Carbonate
Hardness (Mohs Scale): 3 (Calcite) to 3.5-4 (Aragonite)
Primary Source: Ambatolafia, Mahajanga Province, Madagascar
What is a Cleoniceras?
Cleoniceras is an extinct genus of ammonite, an important group of marine cephalopod mollusks that flourished during the Mesozoic Era. This particular genus is well-known from the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, roughly 110 million years ago. Found predominantly in the Mahajanga Province of Madagascar, Cleoniceras ammonites are highly prized for their exceptional preservation and striking iridescent "ammolite" shells when polished. Like nautiloids, their original aragonite shells typically undergo diagenesis to calcite during fossilization, or are sometimes preserved with a nacreous (mother-of-pearl) layer.
Composition & Appearance
Color: Varies widely, but often characterized by iridescent flashes of red, orange, green, and blue when the original nacreous layer is preserved (known as ammolite). Otherwise, colors range from grey, brown, cream, or black depending on mineral infill.
Crystal Habit: The fossil retains the characteristic tightly coiled, planispiral (flat spiral) shell of an ammonite. Polished specimens often reveal the intricate, fern-like or tree-like suture patterns that are diagnostic of different ammonite genera.
Luster: Can range from dull to vitreous (glass-like) when polished, with a strong pearly or iridescent luster if the ammolite layer is present.
Key Characteristics: The most striking feature of polished Cleoniceras is the often brilliant iridescence that flashes across the shell surface, a phenomenon shared with the gemstone ammolite. The distinct suture patterns and symmetrical coiling are also key identifiers. The fossil's chambers are often filled with various minerals, sometimes forming beautiful crystal structures inside.
Metaphysical & Elemental Associations (The following information is based on metaphysical and crystal healing beliefs, not scientific study.)
Associated Chakras: Root (Muladhara) & Third Eye (Ajna)
Ammonite fossils like Cleoniceras are strongly associated with the Root Chakra, providing powerful grounding, stability, and a deep connection to the Earth's ancient energies. Their spiral shape also links them to the Third Eye Chakra, symbolizing profound wisdom, cosmic knowledge, and the cycles of creation and evolution.
Natural Element: Earth & Water
These fossils embody both the Earth and Water elements. The Earth element grounds us in ancient history and provides a sense of solidity and endurance. The Water element connects to the origins of life in the oceans, the flow of time, and emotional healing. Their marine origin underscores their strong connection to water.
Quick Facts
Mineral Name: Calcite / Aragonite (Original Shell Material) with various mineral infills
Chemical Formula: CaCO₃ (Calcium Carbonate)
Mineral Class: Carbonate
Hardness (Mohs Scale): 3 (Calcite) to 3.5-4 (Aragonite)
Primary Source: Ambatolafia, Mahajanga Province, Madagascar
What is a Cleoniceras?
Cleoniceras is an extinct genus of ammonite, an important group of marine cephalopod mollusks that flourished during the Mesozoic Era. This particular genus is well-known from the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, roughly 110 million years ago. Found predominantly in the Mahajanga Province of Madagascar, Cleoniceras ammonites are highly prized for their exceptional preservation and striking iridescent "ammolite" shells when polished. Like nautiloids, their original aragonite shells typically undergo diagenesis to calcite during fossilization, or are sometimes preserved with a nacreous (mother-of-pearl) layer.
Composition & Appearance
Color: Varies widely, but often characterized by iridescent flashes of red, orange, green, and blue when the original nacreous layer is preserved (known as ammolite). Otherwise, colors range from grey, brown, cream, or black depending on mineral infill.
Crystal Habit: The fossil retains the characteristic tightly coiled, planispiral (flat spiral) shell of an ammonite. Polished specimens often reveal the intricate, fern-like or tree-like suture patterns that are diagnostic of different ammonite genera.
Luster: Can range from dull to vitreous (glass-like) when polished, with a strong pearly or iridescent luster if the ammolite layer is present.
Key Characteristics: The most striking feature of polished Cleoniceras is the often brilliant iridescence that flashes across the shell surface, a phenomenon shared with the gemstone ammolite. The distinct suture patterns and symmetrical coiling are also key identifiers. The fossil's chambers are often filled with various minerals, sometimes forming beautiful crystal structures inside.
Metaphysical & Elemental Associations (The following information is based on metaphysical and crystal healing beliefs, not scientific study.)
Associated Chakras: Root (Muladhara) & Third Eye (Ajna)
Ammonite fossils like Cleoniceras are strongly associated with the Root Chakra, providing powerful grounding, stability, and a deep connection to the Earth's ancient energies. Their spiral shape also links them to the Third Eye Chakra, symbolizing profound wisdom, cosmic knowledge, and the cycles of creation and evolution.
Natural Element: Earth & Water
These fossils embody both the Earth and Water elements. The Earth element grounds us in ancient history and provides a sense of solidity and endurance. The Water element connects to the origins of life in the oceans, the flow of time, and emotional healing. Their marine origin underscores their strong connection to water.
