A rare fossil discovered in Oklahoma is making headlines in the paleontological community after a geology professor and his student unearthed what could be one of the oldest known examples of a gemstone-quality ammonite fossil. The fossil, which dates back over 300 million years to the Carboniferous Period, features vibrant colors reminiscent of a gemstone due to its unique mineral composition.
The discovery was made by Dr. Chris Shelton, a geology professor at Rogers State University, and his student Kolby Dooling. They were exploring a site known for its fossil deposits when they stumbled upon an extraordinary piece – a large iridescent ammonite fossil. This find has sent shockwaves through the scientific community due to its rarity and exceptional quality.
The fossil belongs to an extinct group of marine mollusks, close relatives of modern-day squids and octopuses. Its unique characteristics suggest it may qualify as true ammolite, a rare and valuable gemstone found primarily in Alberta, Canada. Ammolite is formed from the fossilized shells of ancient cephalopods that exhibit vibrant colors due to the microstructure of its original aragonite.
The discovery is significant not only because of its age but also its rarity. Most known iridescent ammonites come from the Mesozoic Era, while this specimen dates back much further – over 300 million years ago. This find expands our understanding of ancient brilliance and highlights the importance of continued exploration and research in the field of paleontology.
Following their discovery, Shelton and Dooling plan to conduct more expeditions to gather additional samples and run detailed analyses. Their goal is to publish their findings in a peer-reviewed journal and contribute to the scientific community’s understanding of this extraordinary fossil.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/04/student-gemstone-fossil-shouldnt-exist