Dolorthroceras was a Devonian cephalopod that thrived in the warm paleozoic seas. It's thought that, due to close association, these squid-like animals were predators of trilobites. Specimens from the Widder formation in SW Ontario are more often than not, pyritized. Pyritization occurs due to the high concentration of the mineral in the host rock. Often, the living chambers are preserved in incredible detail.
A note on pyritized fossils: Iron pyrite will always oxidize over time and lose some lustre. The best way to slow this is with lower humidity. Store your fossils in a dry place and avoid contact with hands or moisture for the longest lasting shine.
Dolorthroceras lambtonense
Widder fm, Hamilton gr
Arkona, Ontario, Canada
Middle Devonian
Dolorthroceras lambtonense - XL Pyritized cephalopod
A beautiful and clean example of this under-appreciated species! Pyrite from SW Ontario is stable and safe, however, will lose lustre over time. Keep out of humid environments for best lasting shine.