The ammonite first appeared 400 million years ago and declined and radiated through the many extinction events that punctuated the Eras.

Ammonites are excellent index fossils, and it is often possible to link the rock layer in which they are found to specific geological time periods.The anatomy of an Ammonite shell in cross section reveals that its body resided in a large cavity called the living chamber, preceded by successfully smaller chambers. To remain bouyant, the Ammonite could remove fluid from previous chambers of its shell by using osmosis and a tube called siphuncle. Over the years these chambers crystallised to form exquisite gems of amethyst and other precious stones. There is just something intrinsic about ammonites that is aesthetically pleasing to humans whether it be the spiral, observed in galaxies, the shell’s layers of mother of pearl, or its chemical transformation into an iridescent material that is an opal-like gemstone. They became extinct with the dinosaurs. From the time of their appearance to their extinction ammonites left their shell remains across the globe. These specimens are chosen as symbols for Earth Matters for their beauty, diversity and their ability to adapt and evolve with its ever changing world. It has left an exquisite legacy that tells the tale of life’s evolution and progress