Description

Devonian
Belen Formation
Patacamaya (Department of La Paz) Bolivian Altiplano, Bolivia
53mm nautiloid in 53mm concretion. First we have seen from this site.
Nautiloid, Cephalopod.

Orthoceras is a genus of nautiloid with a long chronologic range (Ordovician to Triassic) and wide paleogeographic range (North America, Europe, China, North Africa, Madagascar, Indonesia).

Orthoceras is perhaps best-known from the huge number of polished specimens sold to tourists and casual collectors at mineral shows and flea markets.  It’s true they are actual nautiloid specimens but researchers have determined that at least most of those specimens actually belong to the genus, Geisonoceras.

Interesting specimen from an odd locality. Few fossils of any kind come out of Bolivia these days.