Ammonite Fossils at Munich Residence Museum

When visiting old European cities, ammonites fossils can be found in certain types of limestone. I recently found a these red/white fossils in Germany at the Munich Residence (Residenz München). A number of the rooms contain a red polished limestone tile floors, studying this material one can find ammonoid fossils. This limestone reminds me of what I have seen in Italian churches that also have ammonoid fossils. These ammonoids could date to the Upper Jurassic Period of the Rosso Ammonitico Formation, Oxfordian Stage found in the Verona Province, Venetia Region of Italy. This iron enriched (red) limestone is also known as Red Verona Marble or Rosso Verona Marble. I am not sure if there is a source of this limestone in Austria or Germany or if it was imported from northern Italy. 

The limestone is used in floors in many of the rooms you are allowed to tour in the museum. I came across a lot of fossils and probably could have found more if not for a time constraint and the crowd of visitors touring the building.

The images on this post were found in the Octogon room which connects to the lavish 66 meter Antiquarium room commissioned by Duke Albrecht V from 1568 to 1571. This room seemed to have some of the best preserved and most fossils in its tiles. These pictures only represent some of the ammonites, I estimate I saw at least 10 in my short time looking. This building in bombed in 1944 during World War II and the original floors might have been destroyed. These images were taken in August 2024.

Deltodus Shark Tooth Fossil

Picture of what appears to be a Deltodus shark tooth fossil found in the Salem Formation of Hardin County Kentucky USA. It dates to the Mississippian Period. 

Thanks to Kenny for the picture.

Batocrinus icosidactylus Crinoid Fossil

These crinoid calyx fossils pictured above are known as Batocrinus icosidactylus (Casseday, 1854). They were found in the Salem Limestone of Lanesville, Harrison County, Indiana USA. The fossils date to the Middle Mississippian Period. 

The crinoid fossil genus and species was named by Samuel Addison Casseday (1831-1860), a Louisville area paleontologist.

These crinoid fossils were once part of the collection of southern Indiana paleontologist George K. Greene (1835-1917). It appeared that all of Greene's fossil collection was sold to American Museum of Natural History in New York City after his death but as it turns out there was one cabinet remained with the family and was past down to his descendants. 

The fossil collection is now on display at the Falls of the Ohio State Park Interpretive Center till September 2024 after that it will be transferred to the Indiana State Museum. George Greene's great-great-grandson William "Bill" Bishop passed away on November 29, 2023 and his wish that fossils be donated.