RARE Temnoptychites simplex Fossil Ammonite Valanginian Cretaceous Russia – Genuine Authentic Prehistoric Marine Cephalopod with Certificate


£ 36.00

RARE EARLY CRETACEOUS AMMONITE FROM NOVAYA ZEMLYA, RUSSIA

This listing features a rare Temnoptychites simplex fossil ammonite from the
Valanginian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, discovered in the remote fossil-rich outcrops of Novaya Zemlya, Russia. Carefully selected for its excellent preservation and distinctive morphology, this specimen is both scientifically valuable and visually impressive. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, ensuring authenticity and clarity for collectors.

GEOLOGICAL AGE & FORMATION

Temnoptychites simplex lived approximately 139.8 to 132.9 million years ago during the Valanginian stage of the Early Cretaceous. At that time, the Novaya Zemlya archipelago formed part of a high-latitude marine environment influenced by the Boreal seas. Sedimentation was dominated by fine-grained marine deposits, creating the perfect conditions for the preservation of delicate ammonite shells. Fossils from this locality are scarce due to the remote location and limited accessibility, making well-preserved examples like this highly sought after.

SPECIES IDENTIFICATION & MORPHOLOGY

Belonging to the family Neocomitidae within the superfamily Perisphinctoidea and order Ammonitida, Temnoptychites simplex is characterised by a moderately involute, compressed shell with prominent ribbing. The ribs are strong and evenly spaced, crossing the flanks and continuing over the venter, often without interruption. This ornamentation provided structural strength to the shell while aiding in hydrodynamic efficiency.

The suture lines—complex folded patterns marking the junctions between shell chambers—are well-developed and visible on quality specimens, reflecting the evolutionary adaptations of Cretaceous ammonites. This example displays these features clearly, making it an excellent reference specimen for both study and display.

COLLECTOR HIGHLIGHTS


• Preservation: Excellent, with sharp ribbing and visible suture detail.
• Authenticity: Guaranteed 100% genuine fossil, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Provenance: Novaya Zemlya, Russia – Valanginian stage, Early Cretaceous.
• Display Quality: Attractive specimen with scientific and visual appeal, suitable for collectors, educators, and museum display.
• Rarity: Fossils from this remote Arctic location are seldom available on the open market, particularly in such fine condition.

PALEOENVIRONMENT & SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE

During the Valanginian, Temnoptychites simplex inhabited cool, high-latitude marine environments rich in invertebrate life. As a nektonic predator, it likely hunted small crustaceans, mollusks, and other planktonic organisms, using tentacles to seize prey and a strong beak-like jaw to break shells. The chambered phragmocone allowed precise buoyancy control, enabling it to navigate between different depths in the water column.

In paleontology, Temnoptychites is considered an important index fossil for the Valanginian stage in Boreal regions. Its distinctive morphology, combined with a restricted stratigraphic range, allows geologists to date and correlate marine strata with precision. Well-preserved specimens like this provide valuable insights into Early Cretaceous ammonite evolution, paleobiogeography, and paleoenvironmental conditions in Arctic marine ecosystems.

A REMARKABLE ADDITION TO ANY COLLECTION

This Temnoptychites simplex fossil ammonite is a rare combination of beauty, scientific relevance, and geographic exclusivity. Its striking preservation and documented provenance make it a superb choice for advanced fossil collectors, geology enthusiasts, and educational displays.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive.