
A stunning example of an iridescent ammonite fossil of the species Caloceras johnstoni from North Somerset, UK.
The piece of thin limestone matrix measures 200 mm (7.8 inches) across and contains a single ammonite that measures 93 mm (3.7 inches), which is large for this species, alongside part of the shell of another smaller ammonite.
The ammonite is very well preserved and has been prepared out of the rock to reveal the shell, which displays some stunning iridescent colours that change depending on the angle that the fossil is viewed at. There is a beautiful mix of red, green, gold, and orange colours in the shell - making some of the strongest colours possible in these fossils. It weighs 935 grams.
Around 200 million years old (Hettangian, Early Jurassic), this fossil would make a wonderful addition to any collection. These fossils are preserved in the same way as the more famous Canadian "ammolite", which is turned into valuable gemstones due to the stunning iridescence.