Rare Audouliceras Heteromorph Ammonite Fossil Cretaceous Upper Barremian France Genuine Certified Specimen | Collector Fossil


£ 18.00

AUTHENTIC AUDOULICERAS AMMONITE FOSSIL FROM FRANCE

This listing offers a rare Audouliceras heteromorph ammonite fossil from the
Upper Barremian Stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 129–125 million years old. Found near Nice, France, this specimen represents a highly unusual and scientifically important ammonite, showcasing the fascinating evolutionary experiments in shell design that occurred during the Cretaceous. Every specimen is 100% genuine and is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for accurate sizing.

GEOLOGICAL AGE AND LOCALITY

The Barremian Stage of the Lower Cretaceous was a dynamic interval in Earth’s history, marked by widespread shallow seas and flourishing ammonite populations. The Upper Barremian deposits near Nice are well known among palaeontologists for producing finely preserved marine fossils, including rare heteromorph ammonites. These rocks capture an important slice of geological time, providing insight into faunal turnover and evolutionary diversification just prior to the Aptian Stage. Fossils from this region are highly prized for their quality, rarity, and contribution to our understanding of Cretaceous ecosystems.

FOSSIL TYPE AND SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Ammonites were marine molluscs within the order Ammonitida, close relatives of modern squid and octopuses. The genus Audouliceras belongs to the family Ancyloceratidae within the superfamily Ancyloceratoidea. These ammonites are classified as heteromorphs, meaning their shells deviated from the classic tightly coiled spiral. Instead, they developed irregular, often loosely coiled or hook-shaped structures. This unusual morphology highlights a remarkable phase of evolutionary experimentation during the Early Cretaceous.

MORPHOLOGY AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

Audouliceras is recognised for its striking heteromorph shell form, characterised by uncoiled sections, strong ribbing, and ornamentation that make it distinctly different from standard planispiral ammonites. These features likely influenced the ammonite’s buoyancy, swimming ability, and ecological niche. The preserved ribbing and growth lines on this specimen demonstrate the fine structural detail that makes it valuable for both collectors and researchers. Its unusual shape makes it a standout display fossil, instantly drawing attention to its rarity and scientific significance.

SCIENTIFIC AND COLLECTOR IMPORTANCE

Heteromorph ammonites like Audouliceras play a crucial role in biostratigraphy, as their distinctive morphology and restricted stratigraphic range make them excellent index fossils. Specimens from the Upper Barremian biozones provide key information for correlating rock layers across Europe and refining the Early Cretaceous geological timescale. For collectors, this fossil represents both a museum-quality rarity and a stunning natural work of art. The combination of provenance from southern France and the fossil’s unique morphology ensures its value as a centrepiece specimen in any collection.

PROVENANCE AND AUTHENTICITY


• Genus: Audouliceras
• Fossil Type: Heteromorph ammonite
• Geological Stage: Upper Barremian, Early Cretaceous (~129–125 million years ago)
• Location: Nice, France
• Family: Ancyloceratidae
• Superfamily: Ancyloceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Notable Features: Uncoiled heteromorph shell, strong ribbing, rare Early Cretaceous ammonite
• Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
• Photographs: Exact specimen shown with 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing

A CAREFULLY SELECTED FOSSIL

This Audouliceras heteromorph ammonite fossil has been carefully chosen for its rarity, preservation, and display value. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, ensuring transparency and authenticity. Each specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it as a verified piece of natural history.

This rare Audouliceras ammonite from the Upper Barremian of France is an exceptional addition to any fossil collection, offering both scientific importance and striking display appeal from the ancient seas of the Early Cretaceous.