Incredible Discovery Shakes Paleontology!

In an astonishing revelation, a student in Oklahoma has discovered a fossil that may be one of the oldest known examples of a gemstone-quality ammonite, captivating the paleontological community!

A Pre-Spring Break Surprise

Just before spring break, geology professor Dr. Chris Shelton took his keen student, Kolby Dooling, on a field trip to a site famous for fossil hunting. Little did they know, this trip would yield a breathtaking find.

"We’ve explored this site many times, but Kolby returned with an iridescent gem that boldly stood out. It was evident he had uncovered something extraordinary!" Dr. Shelton expressed excitement over the discovery.

The Gemstone Fossil: A Glimps of the Past

This stunning fossil belonged to ammonites—ancient marine mollusks that share a lineage with modern squids and octopuses. What makes this find extraordinary is its dazzling gemstone-like appearance!

Emanating vibrant colors akin to those of highly prized gems, this fossil's dazzling hue is attributed to the mineral aragonite, which gives it a breathtaking mother-of-pearl luster. Could this be genuine ammolite, the rare gemstone famous in Alberta, Canada?

Older Than Dinosaurs!

Diving deep into history, this compelling externality dates back over 300 million years to the Carboniferous Period—long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth. This unprecedented discovery defies norms, as iridescent ammonites are typically found in more recent geological layers.

Adding to the rarity, only one other site—the Buckhorn Asphalt Lagerstätte in the Arbuckle Mountains—has produced aragonite fossils of this age.

A Quest for More Ancient Treasures

Driven by curiosity, Shelton and Dooling plan to revisit the site for further explorations, uncovering more fossils, like ancient shark remains, to unlock secrets of the distant past.

"We are gearing up for more collecting trips and detailed analyses of our findings," Shelton revealed. "We aim to submit a paper detailing our discovery to make our mark in the scientific world!"