Belemnite Chip Bracelet

Belemnites were squid-like creatures with some unique characteristics not shared by other cephalopods. During the Paleozoic Era and into  the Mesozoic Era all species of cephalopods had an external shell to protect them. The belemnites evolved a new strategy. SPEED! They did not have an external shell and instead internalized the shell, greatly reducing its size. This gave them an edge over other nautiloids. They were faster and more agile swimmers. It is this internal shell that fossilizes.