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Baculites are a relatively straight shelled ammonite. They start out with a curved shell, like the coiled ammonites, called an ammonitella. The ammonitella is quickly followed by a straight to slightly curved shaft. The shape of the cross section of the shaft can be circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, or pear shaped. Ribs occur along the sides as undulations or slight swellings which can be low (almost smooth) to high. It is these differences which distinguish the different species. The different species of Baculites are important index fossils where they occur in the Pierre Shale.
Of the species present in South Dakota, Baculites compressus and Baculites cuneatus are the most common. Baculites compressus is easily identified by its compressed and relatively smooth sides. Baculites cuneatus is more triangular shaped with well developed undulations along its sides. Both species have very complex suture patterns.
Many of the Baculites from South Dakota will fluoresce due to the replacement of the shell by calcite and chalcedony. The calcite will fluoresce from white to yellow to orange. The chalcedony usually shows up as a green fluorescence.
To see a photo of this specimen under fluorescent lights click the Fluorescents section on the side bar. Then click the South Dakota page link. Also check out other South Dakota fluorescent offerings under the Fluorescents section. Then click on the to view specimen material from South Dakota link. Some normal light photos of other South Dakota fossils will also be shown there.
This specimen is a museum quality specimen. Three chambers are present. The right most chamber, in the photos, is solid. The other two are hollow. The left most chamber is exposed so you can see inside. Excellent septum wall preservation is present and careful polishing was made to bring this specimen to its present condition.
This specimen has been sold! It was offered at $100.00.
Baculite
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Quantity in Basket:
None
Code: SDB-101N
Price: $0.00
Shipping Weight: 0.22 pounds
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Time: Upper Campanian Stage of the Upper Cretaceous, approximately 73-72 million years ago.
Location: South Dakota, USA
Dimensions: 2-1/4" x 1-7/8" x 1-1/4"
This specimen has been sold!
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