Origin, Formation and Locations
Ammonites are fossils of extinct marine animals belonging to the class Cephalopoda, related to today’s squids, cuttlefish, and octopuses. They lived in the oceans during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, particularly from the Devonian to the Cretaceous period (approximately 400 to 66 million years ago).
The shell of an ammonite was usually spiral-shaped and consisted of chambers. When the animal died, the shell could be covered by sediment, and over millions of years, fossilization occurred. During this process, organic material was replaced by minerals such as calcite or pyrite, depending on the conditions.
Morocco is known worldwide as one of the richest sources of ammonites. Especially in the region around Erfoud and the Atlas Mountains, countless fossils are excavated from the limestone layers of the Middle to Late Cretaceous.
History and Naming
The name "ammonite" is derived from the Egyptian god Amun (or Ammon), who was often depicted with coiled ram’s horns. The resemblance between these horns and the spiral shells inspired the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder to call these fossils “Ammonis cornua” (horns of Ammon).
Ammonites have been known since antiquity and were regarded as special stones in various cultures. In the Middle Ages, people believed they were petrified snakes – in England, they were called “snake stones.” Today, ammonites are popular among fossil collectors, as well as in jewelry and decorative objects.
Spiritual Aspects
In spiritual traditions, the ammonite is often seen as a symbol of change, cycles, and evolution. The spiral shape symbolizes growth and the inward journey or ascent to higher states of consciousness.
Some enthusiasts use ammonites during meditation or as a tool to find balance and structure in life. In feng shui, they are associated with promoting vitality and energy flow in a space.
Handling, Care and Safety
Ammonites are generally quite sturdy, especially when fossilized in calcite or pyrite. However, they can be prone to scratches or breakage if handled roughly. Avoid prolonged exposure to water or harsh cleaning agents, particularly with polished specimens.
There are no specific safety risks associated with ammonites, but as with all fossils, it is wise to keep them out of reach of small children and not use them in situations where dust generation may occur.
Fun Facts
- Some ammonites from Morocco are millions of years old and still show beautiful suture lines (the seams between chambers).
- In some cases, ammonites contain traces of pyrite (“fool’s gold”), which gives them a golden sheen.
- The largest ammonite ever found had a diameter of over two meters, but most are only a few centimeters in size.
