Featured in this lot is this polished 4 1/4" Nautilus preserved fossil. The fossil features a wonderfully and professionally crafted polished construction that shows a nautilus shell encased in chert material with a profound profile. Nautilus fossils come from ancient relatives of the modern nautilus, a marine cephalopod known for its smooth, coiled shell and intricate internal chambers. Although the modern nautilus has changed relatively little over millions of years, fossil nautiloids were once far more diverse and widespread, appearing as early as the Late Cambrian. Their fossils reveal a range of shell shapes, from straight to tightly coiled, and provide valuable insight into early cephalopod evolution. Because their chambered shells preserve well, nautilus fossils help scientists study ancient ocean environments and the development of buoyancy mechanisms in marine life. The condition of this fossil is well preserved with no obvious signs of damage and shows a well preserved overall condition. The measurements of this fossil is 3 7/8" x 5 1/2" x 3 1/4". The collective weight of this fossil is 3lb 14oz.