Orthocone Fossil
Orthocone Fossil
An orthocone is the pointed shell of various species of prehistoric nautiloid cephalopods.
Orthocones were basically uncoiled nautilus shells, with a wide opening holding the soft tissue body and other chambers for buoyancy. Orthoconic shells ranged in size from less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 17 feet (5.2 m) long.
They evolved several times independently, from the Late Cambrian to the Late Triassic period (497 to 201 million years ago). This fossil is from the Devonian, which lasted from 419 to 359 million years ago.
It was long thought that orthoconic nautiloids lived horizontally in the water, but a 2021 study involving 3D printed orthocone reconstructions found that they likely lived vertically, giving them the ability to dart vertically away from predator
small size includes 1 to 2 small specimens approximately 0.5" - 0.75"
large size includes 1 large specimen approximately 1" - 2"
Matter Subscriber Price:
Couldn't load pickup availability
Shop collections containing this item:
Collectible Specimens
Fossils
Hydrology
In Stock
Items ≤ $20
Natural History Collectibles
Newest Listings
Oceanography
Once-Living
Paleontology
Prehistoric Fossils
Sale Items
Stemcell Catalog
Storewide
more information
Collapsible content
Further Reading:
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
We only list 100% verified authentic items. We work with reputable collectors, and regularly consult with our network of scientists and experts.
-
Free Shipping
Orders ≥$50 qualify for free US shipping
Orders ≥$100 qualify for free global shipping -
Secure Payments
Pay how you like: credit card, PayPal, After Pay, Shop Pay, Venmo, Apple/Google/Meta Pay & crypto
-
Simple Returns
Change your mind? No problem. Enjoy easy returns within 30 days.
WE TAKE SCIENCE SERIOUSLY
You deserve better than craft store science products. And we think learning is more impactful when you're holding a tangible piece of what you're learning about. That's why Stemcell exists.
We're dedicated to providing the best scientific products available—whether they're fragments of scientific importance, experimental activities, or just interesting things that scratch your curiosity itch.
With every new product launch, our list of new ideas gets longer rather than shorter. So check in often for our latest projects, and thanks for being a part of our endeavor to make the world a smarter place to live.
Believe in yourself; for everything else, there's science.
— TERRY MUDGE, FOUNDER & SCIENTIFIC DIRECTOR