Fossils: a place in the metaphysical world & the natural environment
FOSSILS: A PLACE IN THE METAPHYSICAL WORLD & THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
Fossils are the preserved remains, or traces of ancient organisms, that lived millions of years ago. They provide a window into the past, allowing scientists to study the evolution and diversity of life on Earth. Many of the fossils in our collections have been sourced from the Tindouf Basin, Morocco.
Fossils, though not traditional crystals, hold a significant place in the metaphysical world. They are believed to carry the energy and wisdom of the earth’s ancient life, connecting us to the past and grounding us in the present. In metaphysical beliefs, fossils represent time, evolution, and the cyclical nature of life. They are known for their grounding properties, assisting in stability and providing strength in times of change. Fossils are also believed to aid in memory retention, making them a useful tool for learning and growth.
Physically, fossils are often associated with the skeletal system and are believed to aid in the healing of bone disorders and issues related to the hands and feet. They are also thought to help with fatigue and balance disorders.
Spiritually, fossils connect with the root and third eye chakras, representing our connection to the earth and our ability to see beyond the physical realm.
Ammonite
One fascinating group of fossils is the subclass Ammonoidea, a group that is often referred to as ammonites, first appeared about 450 million years ago. Ammonoidea includes a more exclusive group called Ammonitida, also known as the true ammonites. These animals are known from the Jurassic Period, from about 200 million years ago.
Most ammonites died out at the same time as the non-avian dinosaurs, at the end of the Cretaceous Period, 66 million years ago.
Orthoceras
Orthoceras is an extinct genus of nautiloid cephalopod that lived during the Ordovician Period, around 485 to 443 million years ago. These ancient marine creatures are characterized by their long, straight, conical shells, which are often found fossilized in limestone. Orthoceras fossils are commonly found in regions that were once covered by shallow seas, such as parts of Europe, North America, and Africa.
The name "Orthoceras" means "straight horn," referring to the shape of their shells. These fossils are significant because they provide insights into the early evolution of cephalopods and the marine environments of the Paleozoic era. Orthoceras fossils are often polished and used in jewellery and decorative items due to their unique and attractive appearance.
Goniatites
Goniatites are an extinct group of ammonoid cephalopods that lived from the Middle Devonian to the Late Permian, approximately 390 to 251.4 million years ago. These marine creatures are characterized by their plani spirally coiled shells, which are divided internally into chambers filled with gas, providing buoyancy during their lifetime. Goniatites are known for their distinctive suture patterns, which appear as a series of narrow, wavy lines on the surface of the shell. These fossils are commonly found in regions that were once covered by shallow seas, such as parts of North America, Europe, and North Africa.
Goniatites are significant because they provide insights into the early evolution of cephalopods and the marine environments of the Paleozoic era. Their fossils are often used as index fossils in age determination and stratigraphic correlation.
(**Ref: Natural History Museum, UK)
(Ref GEO Discoveries, AUS)