Polished Jurassic Ammonite Fossil from Jbel Bou Dahar, Eastern High Atlas, Morocco

A beautifully polished ammonite fossil from the famous Jbel Bou Dahar region of the Eastern High Atlas Mountains, Morocco. This specimen displays the classic spiral shell architecture of an ancient marine cephalopod that lived in the warm Jurassic seas covering Morocco approximately 180–190 million years ago. The polished surface reveals intricate chamber structures, natural mineralization, and excellent preservation, making it an attractive display piece for fossil collectors, educators, and natural history enthusiasts.

Detailed Description

This remarkable ammonite originates from Jbel Bou Dahar, a prominent Jurassic carbonate platform located east of Beni Tajjite in the Eastern High Atlas of Morocco. The region is internationally recognized for its extensive Middle Jurassic marine limestones, reef complexes, and exceptionally preserved fossils. The geological studies of the area describe a shallow marine carbonate platform with reef environments that developed during the Lower and Middle Jurassic, creating ideal conditions for preserving marine life.

The specimen has been professionally polished to reveal the internal structure of the shell. The chambers and natural mineral replacement create striking patterns and color contrasts, highlighting the complex growth history of this extinct marine animal.

Ammonites were relatives of modern nautiluses, squids, and octopuses. They thrived in the world's oceans for hundreds of millions of years before becoming extinct at the end of the Cretaceous Period. Their beautifully coiled shells and evolutionary diversity make them among the most sought-after fossils in the world.

Locality

• Jbel Bou Dahar
• Near Beni Tajjite
• Eastern High Atlas Mountains
• Morocco

The Jbel Bou Dahar massif consists largely of Jurassic shallow-water reefal limestones and carbonate deposits that formed on an ancient marine platform. Geological research identifies the area as a major Jurassic reef complex with abundant marine fossil content.

Geological Age

• Jurassic Period
• Approximately 180–190 million years old
• Marine carbonate platform environment

Specifications

• Weight: 91 g
• Size: 79 mm × 59 mm × 21 mm