Douvilleiceras orbignyi Iridescent Ammonite Fossil Lower Albian Cretaceous Madagascar Genuine Specimen
£ 36.00
This listing features a magnificent Douvilleiceras orbignyi ammonite fossil,
dating to the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 113–110 million years ago. Collected from the fossil-rich deposits of Madagascar, this specimen is notable for its natural iridescence, displaying shimmering hues of green, blue, red, and gold when viewed under light. This unique preservation, combined with the ammonite’s robust and strongly ornamented shell, makes it a highly desirable specimen for collectors and enthusiasts alike.All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares provided for precise measurement. GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT AND AGEThis ammonite originates from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous, a time when Madagascar was positioned along the margins of the Tethys Ocean. Warm, shallow seas covered much of the island, providing the perfect environment for marine life to thrive. Ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, and corals populated these waters, and occasional rapid burial in soft sediments ensured excellent fossil preservation.The deposits of Madagascar are particularly famous for producing ammonites with shells that retain their original aragonite layers. Over millions of years, these layers have preserved the brilliant iridescence that makes Madagascan ammonites among the most prized in the world. MORPHOLOGY AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURESDouvilleiceras orbignyi is a member of the family Douvilleiceratidae, within the superfamily Desmoceratoidea of the order Ammonitida. This species is recognised for its robust, evolute shell with whorls that are strongly ornamented by thick ribs and prominent tubercles (nodules). The ribs often extend across the venter, giving the shell a strikingly textured appearance.This particular specimen showcases the bold ribbing and nodular ornamentation typical of the species, along with the natural iridescence that enhances its visual impact. The interplay of structure and colour makes Douvilleiceras orbignyi one of the most eye-catching ammonites available to collectors. SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCEDouvilleiceras orbignyi is an important ammonite species in biostratigraphy, serving as a key index fossil for the Lower Albian stage. Its distinct morphology and wide distribution make it invaluable for correlating Cretaceous rock formations across different regions of the Tethys realm.From an evolutionary perspective, the heavily ribbed and tuberculate shell represents an adaptation that may have provided protection against predators and structural reinforcement for swimming at greater depths. The Madagascan examples, with their preserved iridescence, also contribute to the study of fossil mineralogy and the diagenetic processes that allow aragonite layers to survive over geological time. COLLECTOR AND DISPLAY VALUEThis Douvilleiceras orbignyi ammonite fossil from Madagascar is an exceptional specimen that appeals to both scientific and aesthetic interests. Its combination of strong ornamentation and shimmering iridescence makes it a true showcase piece.For private collectors, this ammonite is a rare opportunity to own a scientifically significant fossil with unique natural beauty. For museums and educators, it serves as an excellent teaching example of Early Cretaceous ammonites and their remarkable preservation. YOUR GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY
• 100% genuine Douvilleiceras orbignyi ammonite fossil from Madagascar
• Geological age: Lower Albian stage, Early Cretaceous (approx. 113–110 million years old)
• Distinctive shell with bold ribbing, tubercles, and natural iridescence
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in the photographs (not a stock image)
• Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm (see images for precise sizing)This Douvilleiceras orbignyi iridescent ammonite fossil is a scientifically significant and visually striking specimen from Madagascar’s Cretaceous deposits. With its authenticity, provenance, and rare preservation, it is an extraordinary addition to any fossil collection.
dating to the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 113–110 million years ago. Collected from the fossil-rich deposits of Madagascar, this specimen is notable for its natural iridescence, displaying shimmering hues of green, blue, red, and gold when viewed under light. This unique preservation, combined with the ammonite’s robust and strongly ornamented shell, makes it a highly desirable specimen for collectors and enthusiasts alike.All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares provided for precise measurement. GEOLOGICAL CONTEXT AND AGEThis ammonite originates from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous, a time when Madagascar was positioned along the margins of the Tethys Ocean. Warm, shallow seas covered much of the island, providing the perfect environment for marine life to thrive. Ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, and corals populated these waters, and occasional rapid burial in soft sediments ensured excellent fossil preservation.The deposits of Madagascar are particularly famous for producing ammonites with shells that retain their original aragonite layers. Over millions of years, these layers have preserved the brilliant iridescence that makes Madagascan ammonites among the most prized in the world. MORPHOLOGY AND DISTINCTIVE FEATURESDouvilleiceras orbignyi is a member of the family Douvilleiceratidae, within the superfamily Desmoceratoidea of the order Ammonitida. This species is recognised for its robust, evolute shell with whorls that are strongly ornamented by thick ribs and prominent tubercles (nodules). The ribs often extend across the venter, giving the shell a strikingly textured appearance.This particular specimen showcases the bold ribbing and nodular ornamentation typical of the species, along with the natural iridescence that enhances its visual impact. The interplay of structure and colour makes Douvilleiceras orbignyi one of the most eye-catching ammonites available to collectors. SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCEDouvilleiceras orbignyi is an important ammonite species in biostratigraphy, serving as a key index fossil for the Lower Albian stage. Its distinct morphology and wide distribution make it invaluable for correlating Cretaceous rock formations across different regions of the Tethys realm.From an evolutionary perspective, the heavily ribbed and tuberculate shell represents an adaptation that may have provided protection against predators and structural reinforcement for swimming at greater depths. The Madagascan examples, with their preserved iridescence, also contribute to the study of fossil mineralogy and the diagenetic processes that allow aragonite layers to survive over geological time. COLLECTOR AND DISPLAY VALUEThis Douvilleiceras orbignyi ammonite fossil from Madagascar is an exceptional specimen that appeals to both scientific and aesthetic interests. Its combination of strong ornamentation and shimmering iridescence makes it a true showcase piece.For private collectors, this ammonite is a rare opportunity to own a scientifically significant fossil with unique natural beauty. For museums and educators, it serves as an excellent teaching example of Early Cretaceous ammonites and their remarkable preservation. YOUR GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY
• 100% genuine Douvilleiceras orbignyi ammonite fossil from Madagascar
• Geological age: Lower Albian stage, Early Cretaceous (approx. 113–110 million years old)
• Distinctive shell with bold ribbing, tubercles, and natural iridescence
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in the photographs (not a stock image)
• Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm (see images for precise sizing)This Douvilleiceras orbignyi iridescent ammonite fossil is a scientifically significant and visually striking specimen from Madagascar’s Cretaceous deposits. With its authenticity, provenance, and rare preservation, it is an extraordinary addition to any fossil collection.
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