RARE 13" Lewesiceras mantelii Fossil Chalk Ammonite | Turonian Cretaceous | Penly Biville-sur-Mer France | Alice Purnell Collection
£ 240.00
This listing features an exceptionally rare 13" fossil ammonite, Lewesiceras
mantelii, from the Turonian Stage of the Cretaceous Period, found in the famous fossil-bearing chalk cliffs of Penly/Biville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France. This impressive specimen originates from the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection, known for its premium, authenticated, and scientifically significant fossils.Geological Details:
• Locality: Penly / Biville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France
• Geological Period: Cretaceous
• Geological Stage: Turonian (~93.9 to 89.8 million years ago)
• Depositional Environment: Deep marine carbonate shelf, serene chalk sea dominated by planktonic sedimentation
• Formation: Upper Chalk or equivalent Turonian chalk strata in the Anglo-Paris BasinPaleontological Context: Lewesiceras mantelii is one of the most iconic macroconch ammonites of the Turonian, part of the Pachydiscidae Family. Its global occurrence and use as a biostratigraphic marker make it critical for defining Turonian stages across the Northern Hemisphere. Its size and ornamentation reflect evolutionary adaptations to mid-Cretaceous marine environments.
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
• Family: Pachydiscidae
• Genus: Lewesiceras
• Species: mantelii
• Biozone: Lewesiceras peramplum Zone (Middle–Upper Turonian)
• Formally Described by: J. Sowerby, 1817Morphological Features:
• Massive planispiral shell reaching ~13 inches in diameter
• Broad, thick whorls with strong radial ribbing
• Deep umbilicus and involute coiling
• Chalk matrix with pale preservation and natural calcite infillingsNotable Characteristics:
• Striking size and definition — a standout collector’s ammonite
• Found in the scenic chalk cliffs of northern France
• From the highly regarded Alice Purnell Collection, ensuring scientific and collector-grade provenanceAuthenticity & Presentation:
• 100% genuine fossil, not a cast or reconstruction
• Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity
• You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photo
• Scale cube = 1cm shown for reference in the imageAdditional Notes: This rare specimen of Lewesiceras mantelii is both a visually impressive and scientifically valuable piece of Cretaceous marine life. Suitable for collectors, educators, and museum-quality displays, it offers a dramatic glimpse into the ancient chalk seas of Europe. All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
mantelii, from the Turonian Stage of the Cretaceous Period, found in the famous fossil-bearing chalk cliffs of Penly/Biville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France. This impressive specimen originates from the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection, known for its premium, authenticated, and scientifically significant fossils.Geological Details:
• Locality: Penly / Biville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France
• Geological Period: Cretaceous
• Geological Stage: Turonian (~93.9 to 89.8 million years ago)
• Depositional Environment: Deep marine carbonate shelf, serene chalk sea dominated by planktonic sedimentation
• Formation: Upper Chalk or equivalent Turonian chalk strata in the Anglo-Paris BasinPaleontological Context: Lewesiceras mantelii is one of the most iconic macroconch ammonites of the Turonian, part of the Pachydiscidae Family. Its global occurrence and use as a biostratigraphic marker make it critical for defining Turonian stages across the Northern Hemisphere. Its size and ornamentation reflect evolutionary adaptations to mid-Cretaceous marine environments.
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
• Family: Pachydiscidae
• Genus: Lewesiceras
• Species: mantelii
• Biozone: Lewesiceras peramplum Zone (Middle–Upper Turonian)
• Formally Described by: J. Sowerby, 1817Morphological Features:
• Massive planispiral shell reaching ~13 inches in diameter
• Broad, thick whorls with strong radial ribbing
• Deep umbilicus and involute coiling
• Chalk matrix with pale preservation and natural calcite infillingsNotable Characteristics:
• Striking size and definition — a standout collector’s ammonite
• Found in the scenic chalk cliffs of northern France
• From the highly regarded Alice Purnell Collection, ensuring scientific and collector-grade provenanceAuthenticity & Presentation:
• 100% genuine fossil, not a cast or reconstruction
• Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity
• You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photo
• Scale cube = 1cm shown for reference in the imageAdditional Notes: This rare specimen of Lewesiceras mantelii is both a visually impressive and scientifically valuable piece of Cretaceous marine life. Suitable for collectors, educators, and museum-quality displays, it offers a dramatic glimpse into the ancient chalk seas of Europe. All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
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