Where can you find ammonite fossils?

Digging Up Time Capsules: Your Guide to Finding Ammonite Fossils

Ever held a spiral-shaped rock and wondered about its story? Chances are, you were looking at an ammonite fossil! These incredible relics are the remains of extinct sea creatures that swam in our oceans for literally millions of years – from way back in the Devonian period right up to the end of the Cretaceous, when they vanished along with the dinosaurs. Imagine holding a piece of prehistoric history right in your hand. Pretty cool, huh? The big question is: where do you even find these ancient treasures? Let’s dive in and explore some of the best spots on the planet to unearth your own ammonite fossil.

What Exactly Are Ammonites?

Before you start your fossil-hunting quest, it helps to know a little bit about what you’re actually looking for. Ammonites were cephalopods, which makes them relatives of modern squids, octopuses, and those cool-looking nautiluses. They sported coiled shells – think of a nautilus shell, but often more elaborately patterned – made of calcium carbonate, and these shells were divided into separate little chambers. The ammonite itself lived in the biggest, outermost chamber, while the other chambers acted like tiny submarines, helping it control its buoyancy. Clever, right?

So, how do these creatures turn into stone? Well, it all starts when an ammonite dies and gets buried in sediment, like mud or sand, at the bottom of the ocean. Over millions of years, the organic stuff breaks down and is replaced by minerals – that’s fossilization in action! The type of mineral doing the replacing can dramatically change the fossil’s appearance. For instance, silicification makes for grey fossils, while pyritization gives you those stunning, golden, pyrite ammonites. Talk about buried treasure!

Where to Find These Ancient Beauties

Ammonite fossils have been found on pretty much every continent, which is mind-blowing. However, some places are just loaded with them, and often boast particularly impressive specimens. These hot spots usually have sedimentary rock formations dating back to the Mesozoic Era – that’s the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods – when ammonites were all the rage.

Across the Pond: The United Kingdom

The UK is a fossil hunter’s dream. Seriously, you can’t swing a geological hammer without hitting something interesting.

• Dorset’s Jurassic Coast: This UNESCO World Heritage Site? Legendary. Lyme Regis and Charmouth are the places to go, famous for ammonites, belemnites (those bullet-shaped fossils), and all sorts of other marine goodies. You might stumble upon Promicroceras, Asteroceras, and Harpoceras ammonites nestled in limestone nodules, or even find them all shiny and pyritized. Pro tip: keep an eye out after bad weather – the waves often wash new fossils right onto the shore!
• Whitby, North Yorkshire: Another coastal gem. Ammonites are so common here, they’re practically a local mascot! In fact, they’re even featured on the town crest and are known locally as “snakestones.” How cool is that?
• Folkestone, Kent: If you’re lucky, you might find beautifully preserved small ammonites with iridescent shells sparkling along the Folkestone coastline. Keep your eyes peeled, because you can even find uncoiled or straight ammonites here, which are a bit rarer.
• Helmsdale, Sutherland, Scotland: Don’t count Scotland out! This area boasts Jurassic fossils galore, including ammonites, bits of prehistoric fish, and even giant coral.
• Llantwit Major, South Wales: This beach isn’t just pretty; it’s packed with Jurassic fossils hiding in those dramatic cliffs and rock formations. Think ammonites and brachiopods just waiting to be discovered.

Faraway Finds: Madagascar

Madagascar is a goldmine for fossil hunters, especially if you’re after ammonites from the Late Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Seriously, the variety is incredible.

• Mahajanga Basin: Head to northwestern Madagascar, and you might find yourself knee-deep in diverse ammonite fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous. The ammonites here are often preserved in shades of yellow to brown calcite, which gives them a unique look. Keep an eye out for species like Puzosia saint-oursi.
• Tulear Basin: Down in southwestern Madagascar, this basin is another prime spot for Cretaceous ammonite fossils. These guys are usually preserved in white, red, or brown calcite in limestone. Want to find something really special? Try hunting for heteromorph ammonites (Nostoceras sp. and Eubostrychoceras sp.) near the village of Morafena. These oddballs have shells that aren’t coiled in the typical spiral!
• Sakaraha: Near this town in southwestern Madagascar, Jurassic ammonites are hiding in oolithic limestone. Happy hunting!

Across the Continent: Germany

Germany’s got some fossil secrets of its own!

• Holzmaden: The Posidonia Shale of Holzmaden is world-famous for its amazing preservation of Jurassic ammonites. We’re talking detailed imprints of species like Dactylioceras and Hildoceras, often in pyritized or calcified form.
• Solnhofen Limestone: This Late Jurassic site is another place where fossils are preserved in incredible detail, including ammonites like Sphenodiscus.
• Wolgast-Hohendorf: Up in northeastern Germany, you can find Early Cretaceous ammonites in erratic boulders – those rocks that were moved around by glaciers.

North American Treasures: Canada

Canada’s claim to fame? Iridescent ammonite fossils, known as ammolite. These aren’t just fossils; they’re gems.

• Bearpaw Formation, Alberta: This formation in southern Alberta is the only place on Earth where you can find gem-quality ammolite. The most common ammonite species here are Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare. The K Zone and Blue Zone are two specific layers where the magic happens.

The Good Old U.S. of A.

While maybe not as famous as some other spots, the United States has its fair share of ammonite hotspots.

• Bearpaw Shale, Montana: This shale formation is a great place to hunt for Cretaceous ammonites, including Placenticeras and Baculites.
• Big Brook Park, New Jersey: Believe it or not, New Jersey’s got some fossil secrets! This park is a prime location for Cretaceous marine fossils, including ammonites.
• Clawson, Utah: Keep an eye out for ammonoid cephalopods like Scaphites in the Mancos Shale around the Emery-Castle Dale-Price-Woodside area.
• Ammonite Canyon, Nevada: This remote canyon is home to well-preserved ammonites, brachiopods, corals, and gastropods from the Triassic-Jurassic period. It’s a bit of a trek, but worth it!

North Africa: Morocco

Morocco is a major player in the ammonite fossil game, especially in the Cretaceous sediments of the Atlas Mountains. You’ll find ammonites like Deshayesites and Diboloceras preserved in stunning detail with calcite or pyrite.

Tips and Tricks for the Aspiring Fossil Hunter

• Do Your Homework: Before you head out, spend some time researching the local geology. Knowing what kind of rocks are in the area will give you a clue about what kinds of fossils you might find.
• Know the Rules: Always check local regulations regarding fossil collecting. Some places require permits, and others might be completely off-limits. And always get permission from the landowner before you start digging!
• Timing is Everything: The best time to go fossil hunting is often after a good storm or heavy rainfall. The erosion helps expose new fossils.
• Train Your Eye: Ammonites come in all shapes and sizes, so look for spiral shapes or unusual patterns in the rocks. Pay attention to the suture patterns on the shell – these can help you identify different species.
• Gear Up: Wear sturdy shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring tools like a rock hammer, chisel, and safety goggles. A magnifying glass can also come in handy for close-up inspections.
• Leave No Trace: Be respectful of the environment. Don’t damage rock formations or disturb wildlife, and always pack out everything you pack in.

Ammonites: Nature’s Time Stamps

Here’s a cool fact: ammonites are super useful for geologists and paleontologists because they’re excellent index fossils. Basically, because they were widespread, easy to identify, and didn’t stick around too long, their fossils can be used to date rock layers and match up rock formations in different parts of the world. The suture patterns on their shells are like little barcodes that tell scientists exactly when that ammonite lived. Pretty neat, huh?

Happy Hunting!

Finding an ammonite fossil is an incredible experience that connects you to the deep past. Whether you’re scouring the beaches of the Jurassic Coast, exploring the fossil-rich landscapes of Madagascar, or digging for ammolite in Canada, the thrill of discovery is hard to beat. So, grab your gear, do your research, and get ready to unearth your own piece of Earth’s history! Good luck, and happy hunting!