Where is Ammonite fossil found?
Ammonoidea
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Open the appAmmonite fossil occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Ammonite fossil
Worldwide
Ammonite fossils are found globally in marine sedimentary rock formations of Devonian to Cretaceous age. Notable localities include: United Kingdom (Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis), France, Germany, Russia, Madagascar, Morocco, Canada (Alberta for Ammolite), United States (Texas, Montana, South Dakota), and Japan.
Jurassic Coast, UK
Famous for abundant and well-preserved Jurassic ammonites, particularly from the Lower Jurassic Lias Group.
Mahajanga Province, Madagascar
Known for beautifully preserved, often iridescent, and sometimes pyritized ammonites from the Cretaceous period.
Bearpaw Formation, Alberta, Canada
Source of Ammolite, a rare iridescent ammonite shell material from the Late Cretaceous, often found in concretions.
Solnhofen Limestone, Germany
Renowned for exceptionally preserved fossils, including ammonites, from the Late Jurassic.
Collecting tips
- Target Sedimentary Rocks. Focus your search on marine sedimentary rock outcrops, particularly shales, limestones, and marls, which are most likely to contain ammonite fossils.
- Look for Distinctive Shapes. Ammonites are typically coiled, so look for spiral or disc-shaped impressions or protrusions on rock surfaces. Some may be uncoiled (heteromorphs).
- Examine Weathered Surfaces. Weathering can expose fossils. Look for areas where rock layers are eroding, as this can reveal specimens.
- Check for Suture Lines. If the internal mold is exposed, look for the complex, wavy patterns of the suture lines, which are characteristic of ammonites and distinguish them from nautiloids.
- Safety Precautions. Always obtain permission before collecting on private land. Be aware of unstable cliffs and rockfalls, especially along coastal exposures. Wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and sturdy footwear. Use proper tools for extraction to avoid damaging specimens or yourself.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (gray, brown, black, white, yellow, red, iridescent)
- Luster:
- Variable (dull, vitreous, pearly, metallic, opalescent)
- Streak:
- Not applicable for the fossil itself; streak would be of the replacing mineral (e.g., white for calcite, black for pyrite).
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