Collection: Orthoceras

The name orthoceras comes from the ancient Greek, meaning "straight horn." Orthoceras is a fossil, so its name is not recognized by the IMA (International Mineralogical Association). As a reminder, a fossil is the mineralized trace of an ancient living organism. It can also be the trace of the organism's activity or its cast in a sedimentary rock. It gives us information about its appearance and structure.

Orthoceras were cephalopod mollusks (mollusks with an internal shell) living during the geological period of the Ordovician, in the Paleozoic period, i.e. -488 million years to -444 million years ago, until the end of the Permian -299 million years to -251 million years ago.

Orthoceras disappeared during the great Permian-Triassic extinction event, during which 96% of marine species and 75% of terrestrial species disappeared completely.

Orthoceras can be said to be related to squid and octopus. They are very common and extremely widespread animals in the oceans. They lived in shells that changed as the mollusks grew. Thus, their size could range from a few centimeters to several meters long.

The Orthoceras had tentacles, a beak, and large eyes like a squid. It was located in the last part of its conical shell. Each chamber was separated by a "wall." The former chambers were filled with gas and water, which allowed the animal to move by using its buoyancy. It could thus swim on the surface or at depth.

Generally, fossils were of little interest to ancient civilizations. Their presence was explained as creations born from the action of the moon or the sun. But in the 18th century, scientists developed the natural sciences and paleontology was born. For information, paleontology is the study of past life through fossilized organisms during geological time.

As for the Orthoceras, this fossil transformed over the years. Buried under sediment, the mollusk's body was devoured by other marine animals. Then, the shell cavities continued to fill with sediment, and gradually transformed into hard rock.

The color of fossilized orthoceras ranges from black to dark brown, dark green, gray, and white. Its composition may contain calcite and, of course, other different minerals depending on its origin.

Nowadays, orthoceras is widely used in jewelry and as an ornamental object. Some orthoceras slabs are used as tombstones, tables, sinks, etc.

Orthoceras is widespread throughout the world. The main deposits are located in Morocco.

Orthoceras is known for its protective role against negative energies and people with harmful influences. It acts as a shield. It provides its wearer with quick thinking and reaction times. The wearer reacts immediately regardless of the situation. He no longer suffers.

The fossil aspect of orthoceras allows one to connect with one's inner self. It has a grounding role, allowing the wearer to know exactly where they belong. It facilitates decision-making when making difficult choices.

Furthermore, this marine fossil makes us aware of the deep, hidden energies within us. It clears the brain and clears out what is blocked. Thus, it releases childhood traumas that prevent us from moving forward in life.

It brings liveliness, simplicity, and tonicity to its wearer. The person develops a beautiful energy and is in action. They show a lot of enthusiasm in their projects. They have more assurance and self-confidence.