Bin Sized - Fossil Orthoceras (Size 2) (40 pcs)

The name orthoceras refers to the long, straight conical shell. Orthoceras fossils are common, with global distribution in any marine rock, especially limestone. They are widespread in North America and also found in Morocco. These are the most common of the cephalopods which lived between 200 to 450 million years ago. Living cephalopods include the squid, octopus and Nautilus. The Nautilus is the most similar to the orthoceras because of its fully developed shell. What's interesting about this mollusk is that its feet grew out of its head! Each time its body became too big for the shell, a dividing wall, called a septa, grew to separate the old living chamber from the new one, this is what creates the fascinating lines we see in the shell fossils today! Orthoceras were able to propel themselves backward by releasing water from a tube that ran along its body, called a siphuncle, this tube also helped to create buoyancy when empty. All living relatives of these creatures are predators, so it can be assumed that the orthoceras dined on trilobytes! This makes an excellent starter piece or addition to any fossil collection.

No two pieces are alike. Each one will slightly vary in size, shape and colour.

Bin sized mineral and fossil treasures are bagged in pre-specified size ranges and piece counts. They are ideal for selling in one of our multi-bin retail displays or in small bins that you might already use in your store. All items come bagged and include a quantity of information cards to match the piece-count of the item you purchase. Information cards will help you merchandise and teach your customers about these beautiful creations from mother nature.