Douvilleiceras tschernyschewi Iridescent Ammonite Fossil Lower Albian Cretaceous Madagascar Genuine
£ 48.00
This listing features a superb Douvilleiceras tschernyschewi ammonite fossil
from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 113–110 million years old. Found in the world-famous fossil beds of Madagascar, this specimen displays striking natural iridescence, a feature highly sought after by collectors for both its beauty and rarity. With its bold ribbing, nodules, and shimmering shell surface, this ammonite combines scientific importance with decorative appeal.All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact ammonite you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares included for accurate sizing. GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT AND AGEThis ammonite comes from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous, a period when Madagascar was part of the southern margin of the Tethys Ocean. The shallow tropical seas that covered the island were rich in marine life, including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, corals, and marine reptiles.The fossil-bearing limestones and marls of Madagascar are particularly renowned for their ammonites, many of which preserve their original aragonite shell layers. This has led to the development of iridescence, producing shimmering hues of green, blue, red, and gold. Such preservation is rare in the fossil record, making Madagascan ammonites prized by collectors worldwide. MORPHOLOGY AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURESDouvilleiceras tschernyschewi belongs to the family Douvilleiceratidae, within the superfamily Desmoceratoidea of the order Ammonitida. It is a robust, strongly ornamented ammonite with thick ribbing and pronounced tubercles (nodules) along the flanks. The whorls are evolute, with all earlier coils visible, giving the shell a bold, rugged appearance.The specimen offered here displays the key diagnostic traits of the species, including strong ribbing that crosses the venter and the characteristic nodular ornamentation. The preservation of natural iridescence across the shell surface enhances the aesthetic appeal, with vibrant colours visible as light strikes the fossil from different angles. This feature adds significant display value to the specimen. SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCEDouvilleiceras tschernyschewi is an important ammonite species used in biostratigraphy to define zones within the Lower Albian stage. Its distinctive morphology makes it a reliable index fossil, enabling geologists to correlate Cretaceous sediments across wide geographic areas.The genus Douvilleiceras is also of evolutionary significance, as it represents one of the more strongly ornamented ammonites of the Early Cretaceous. Its heavy ribbing and tubercles are thought to have provided structural strength against water pressure and predators, as well as stabilisation during active swimming.The Madagascan examples, with their unique preservation, contribute additional information about the mineralogy of ammonite shells and the diagenetic conditions that allowed their iridescence to be retained. COLLECTOR AND DISPLAY VALUEThis Douvilleiceras tschernyschewi ammonite fossil from Madagascar is a specimen of outstanding visual impact. The bold ribbing, nodular ornamentation, and natural iridescence make it both a scientifically important and highly decorative fossil.Collectors of ammonites, Cretaceous fossils, or Madagascan material will find this piece particularly desirable. Its striking shell structure and vibrant iridescence make it suitable as a centrepiece fossil for display, while its stratigraphic significance ensures it remains an important addition to serious collections. YOUR GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY
• 100% genuine Douvilleiceras tschernyschewi ammonite fossil from Madagascar
• Geological age: Lower Albian stage, Early Cretaceous (approx. 113–110 million years old)
• Distinctive preservation with natural iridescence
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in photographs (no stock images used)
• Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm (see photos for accurate sizing)This Douvilleiceras tschernyschewi iridescent ammonite fossil is both a scientifically important specimen and a visually stunning natural relic of Madagascar’s Cretaceous seas. With its rarity, authenticity, and shimmering beauty, it is a superb addition to any fossil collection.
from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 113–110 million years old. Found in the world-famous fossil beds of Madagascar, this specimen displays striking natural iridescence, a feature highly sought after by collectors for both its beauty and rarity. With its bold ribbing, nodules, and shimmering shell surface, this ammonite combines scientific importance with decorative appeal.All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact ammonite you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares included for accurate sizing. GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT AND AGEThis ammonite comes from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous, a period when Madagascar was part of the southern margin of the Tethys Ocean. The shallow tropical seas that covered the island were rich in marine life, including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, corals, and marine reptiles.The fossil-bearing limestones and marls of Madagascar are particularly renowned for their ammonites, many of which preserve their original aragonite shell layers. This has led to the development of iridescence, producing shimmering hues of green, blue, red, and gold. Such preservation is rare in the fossil record, making Madagascan ammonites prized by collectors worldwide. MORPHOLOGY AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURESDouvilleiceras tschernyschewi belongs to the family Douvilleiceratidae, within the superfamily Desmoceratoidea of the order Ammonitida. It is a robust, strongly ornamented ammonite with thick ribbing and pronounced tubercles (nodules) along the flanks. The whorls are evolute, with all earlier coils visible, giving the shell a bold, rugged appearance.The specimen offered here displays the key diagnostic traits of the species, including strong ribbing that crosses the venter and the characteristic nodular ornamentation. The preservation of natural iridescence across the shell surface enhances the aesthetic appeal, with vibrant colours visible as light strikes the fossil from different angles. This feature adds significant display value to the specimen. SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCEDouvilleiceras tschernyschewi is an important ammonite species used in biostratigraphy to define zones within the Lower Albian stage. Its distinctive morphology makes it a reliable index fossil, enabling geologists to correlate Cretaceous sediments across wide geographic areas.The genus Douvilleiceras is also of evolutionary significance, as it represents one of the more strongly ornamented ammonites of the Early Cretaceous. Its heavy ribbing and tubercles are thought to have provided structural strength against water pressure and predators, as well as stabilisation during active swimming.The Madagascan examples, with their unique preservation, contribute additional information about the mineralogy of ammonite shells and the diagenetic conditions that allowed their iridescence to be retained. COLLECTOR AND DISPLAY VALUEThis Douvilleiceras tschernyschewi ammonite fossil from Madagascar is a specimen of outstanding visual impact. The bold ribbing, nodular ornamentation, and natural iridescence make it both a scientifically important and highly decorative fossil.Collectors of ammonites, Cretaceous fossils, or Madagascan material will find this piece particularly desirable. Its striking shell structure and vibrant iridescence make it suitable as a centrepiece fossil for display, while its stratigraphic significance ensures it remains an important addition to serious collections. YOUR GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY
• 100% genuine Douvilleiceras tschernyschewi ammonite fossil from Madagascar
• Geological age: Lower Albian stage, Early Cretaceous (approx. 113–110 million years old)
• Distinctive preservation with natural iridescence
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in photographs (no stock images used)
• Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm (see photos for accurate sizing)This Douvilleiceras tschernyschewi iridescent ammonite fossil is both a scientifically important specimen and a visually stunning natural relic of Madagascar’s Cretaceous seas. With its rarity, authenticity, and shimmering beauty, it is a superb addition to any fossil collection.