Ammonite fossils are preserved replicas of an ancient sea animal known as Ammonites. The shellfish, most closely resembling the nautilus, are now extinct but have left beautiful traces of themselves in the form of fossils. If you are looking for ammonite fossils for sale, you should first know just what an ammonite is.

Ammonites were of the phylum mollusca. Molluscs are characterized by a hard, calcareous shell. Other molluscs known today are, of course, the nautilus, but also clams, oysters, snails, and slugs. The larger taxonomic category of the ammonites is the class cephalopoda.

Animals of the class cephalopoda are known commonly as cephalopods. Cephalopods include molluscs, as well as squids and octopuses. The class gets it's name from the Latin words meaning 'head' and 'foot', so literally, these animals are known as 'head-foots.' This is because many members of the class, such as slugs, snails, and clams, use their heads for locomotion, therefore using them as feet.

Ammonites were common during the late Devonian period, coincidentally about the same time that tetrapods, or four-footed animals, first made an appearance on the evolutionary scene. They persisted through millions of years, going through a number of population booms followed by periods of near-extinction.

Today, these fossils make beautiful ornaments as well as educational models. Studying ammonite fossils, students can learn about taxonomy (who would have guessed that these little spiral fossils were related to octopuses?) evolution, population trends, and geology. They make a lovely addition to any rock collection, and are a great conversation starter.

Ammonite fossils range from the very tiny to the huge. Some have been found weighing in at up to eighty pounds. Fossils of this size, of course, are not likely to be available for private sale, as they are more likely to be preserved in museums as educational specimens for public enjoyment.

To find ammonite fossils for sale, you may have to look around. Not only are fossils generally rare, but they can be in high demand from museums, gift shops, and educational facilities. However, if you are able to find ammonite fossils for sale, count yourself as lucky, because few things are as beautiful and long-lasting as a fossil.