ScienceAugust 15, 2026

ammonite

AM-uh-nite

Definition

An extinct marine mollusk characterized by a coiled, spiral shell, often used by fossil dealers as a common specimen for 'augmentation' or forgery.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'Ammonis cornua' (horns of Ammon) because the spiral shells resemble the curved horns of the Egyptian god Ammon.

In the news

The article mentions ammonites as common fossils that are frequently altered by dealers—who may carve shapes around them—to make them appear more complete or valuable to buyers.

How To Fake A Fossil: We Asked Palaeontologists How They'd Do It, And Yes, They Told Us

Read the full article ↗

IFLScience

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