Cephalopod Fossil Art Appraisal

Polished Orthoceras Fossil Sculpture

This item is an upright, free-standing sculpture composed of multiple fossilized Orthoceras cephalopods embedded in a dark limestone matrix. The piece originates from Morocco and dates back to the Devonian Period, approximately 360 to 400 million years ago. Physically, the sculpture features two prominent, elongated fossil shells protruding from a central base. The fossils themselves appear in a striking silvery-grey to white color, displaying well-defined internal chambers (septa) and a central siphuncle tube. The surrounding matrix has been polished to a deep black, high-gloss finish, creating a dramatic contrast against the calcified remains of the prehistoric marine creatures. Each fossil is roughly conical or bullet-shaped, with the largest specimen dominating the left side of the composition. In terms of condition, the piece shows excellent preservation of the fossilized structures with a professional lapidary polish. There are no obvious fractures or repairs visible from the primary angle, though the natural stone base is likely left in a rough, unpolished state to provide stability for the upright display. The craftsmanship is typical of Moroccan fossil prep-work, where the matrix is selectively carved away and polished to highlight the natural geometry of the specimens. Quality indicators include the clarity of the chamber walls and the uniformity of the polish across the dark limestone surface.