Enhydro Agate - Artbit

Enhydro Agate / Ammonite Fossils

An Enhydro Agate is described as a natural water or fluid filled chamber that is found within a crystal or mineral. Scientifically, the term "enhydro" is usually reserved for two particular Agate formations containing water. Crystals containing water are also referred to as Enhydrite Crystals. The water / fluid is usually millions of years old and is most likely very pure. The crystals or minerals grow around the liquid deposits and trap it within forever, unless it is broken open by natural conditions or manipulation by man. A large majority of fluid inclusion chambers break during their growth cycle in the ground or after they are freshly pulled out of the gound by miners or collectors.

Fluid inclusions may even be found in crystals and minerals other than quartz. Agate, also known as cryptocrystalline quartz, from Brazil frequently yeilds porous Agate Enhydro Geodes that are filled, or partially filled with water. The Agate usually grows around the water deposit. Many scientists feel that these "Agate Enhydro" are the true "Enhydros", while the others are referred to as "fluid inclusions". The level of water will shift and slosh around when it is moved in different directions.

Ammonite Fossils

The name Ammonite comes from the Greek ram-horn God called Ammon. Ammonite are the most widely known fossil; they are cephalopods and first appeared in the seas 415 million years ago, in the form of a straight shelled creature known as Bacrites. During their evolution three catastrophic events occurred. The first during the Permian peariod (250 million ago), only 10% survived. They went on to flourish throughout the Triassic period, but at the end of this period (206 million ago) all but one species died. Then they began to thrive from the Jurassic period until the end of the Cretaceous period when all species of ammonites became extinct.

Ammonite fossils are found on every continent. And come in every naturally occurring color.

Shell structure

Most ammonites have coiled shells. The chambered part of the shell is called a phragmaocone. It contains a series of progressively layered chambered called camerae, which were divided by thin walls called septae. The last chamber is the body chamber. As the Ammonite grew, it added new and larger chambers to the opened end of the shell.

In India, ammonite fossils are identified with God Vishnu and are used in various ceremonies.

In india, Ammonite fossils are found in the Valley of Gandaki River in Nepal and Northern India which are called Shaligrams. They are considered the direct symbol of Lord Vishnu, as one of the Vishnu's Avatars (Incarnations) was stone (Sri Saligram). Saligrams have markings called 'chakras', resembling the discus (heavy disc) held in one of the six hands of teh God Vishnu. Vishnu's chakra is a  Hindu symbol of absolute comleteness, with the eight spokes indicating the eightfold path of deliverance. The radial chakra markings in saligrams are actually the ribs of the ammonites. The stones are kept in temples, monasteries and households as natural symbol of Vishnu and water in which they have been bathed is drunk daily. In addition, saligramsa are used in marriages, funerals and house-warnings. If a dying person sips water in which a saligram has been steeped, it is believed that they will be freed from all sins and will reach the heavenly abode of Vishnu. You are not allowed to buy a saligram as they are priceless, although they can be supplied if a donation is made. Saligrams are mentioned in Sanskrit texts dating back to the second century BC.