Pendant Description
Fossil Pyritized Ammonite  Sterling Silver Pendant
SubCategory: Pendant Gift from Kimlud Jewelry Collection
Material: Genuine Sterling Silver (.925 silver)
Stone(s): 1 piece top grade authentic fossil ammonite with Pyrite
Overall dimension:  inches
Inner bail diameter:  mm
Weight:  grams
Stamp: Fine Sterling Silver

Pyritized Ammonite
Pyritized Ammonite is the fossilized shell of ancient sea amminoids and nautiloids, ancestors of today's pearly nautilus. A fossil formed when the animal's shell absorbed minerals from silt. The compression of centuries of successive sediment layers turned the skeleton to pyrite rock. Ammonite, this is a fossil stone, often called snake or serpent stone.
Ammonites are an extinct group of marine animals of the subclass Ammonoidea in the class Cephalopoda, phylum Mollusca. They are excellent index fossils, and it is often possible to link the rock layer in which they are found to specific geological time periods. Their fossil shells usually take the form of planispirals, although there were some helically-spiraled and non-spiraled forms (known as "heteromorphs"). Their spiral shape begot their name, as their fossilized shells somewhat resemble tightly-coiled rams' horns.
Originating from within the bactritoid nautiloids, the ammonoid cephalopods first appeared in the Late Silurian to Early Devonian (circa 400 million years ago) and became extinct at the close of the Cretaceous (65 million years ago) along with the dinosaurs.
Fossils have been revered in the magical practices of many lands, and legends explain their origins.  Fossil stones have been found in mounds of many burial sites, and thought to have eased the right of  passage.  They are a symbol of long life, since they contain the life force, which is released in healing in a gentle but potent way.  Ammonites especially, were used traditionally to relieve pain and to ease birth.  Fossils will help to bring tradition and character to a newly built house or apartment, or one in a soulless area. To recharge a fossils energy, place in a ancient place, best of all within the sound of the sea or running water.

Pyrite
Also known as "Fool's Gold," and typically golden in color, pyrite is composed of iron sulfide. It is found around the world. Native Americans polished larger pieces of pyrite to use them as mirrors. Pyrite is a common mineral, found in a wide variety of geological formations from sedimentary deposits to hydrothermal veins and also as a constituent of metamorphic rocks. The color of pyrite has sometimes led to people mistaking it for gold. Pyrite is easy to distinguish from gold, as it is much lighter. Pyrite is also harder than gold and cannot be scratched with a fingernail or knife.