Turrilites acutus Heteromorph Fossil Ammonite Cenomanian Cretaceous Sussex United Kingdom with COA
£ 42.00
TURRILITES ACUTUS HETEROMORPH AMMONITE FROM SUSSEXThis specimen is a Turrilites acutus heteromorph fossil ammonite, collected from
Cenomanian-aged chalk deposits in Sussex, United Kingdom. Dating back to the Late Cretaceous Period, around 100–94 million years ago, this ammonite represents one of the most distinctive heteromorph groups, whose unusual coiling sets them apart from the familiar flat, planispiral ammonites. Fossils of Turrilites acutus are highly sought after by collectors and researchers for their rarity, diagnostic features, and scientific importance.All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube and rule squares included for precise sizing. GEOLOGICAL AGE AND LOCALITYThe Cenomanian Stage marks the beginning of the Late Cretaceous, a period when global sea levels reached some of their highest points in Earth’s history. Shallow epicontinental seas extended across Europe, creating a warm marine environment that supported abundant and diverse ammonite populations.The fossil-bearing chalk deposits of Sussex are part of the famous White Chalk cliffs of southern England. These chalks have been studied for centuries and are internationally recognised for their fossil content. Ammonites such as Turrilites acutus are especially valuable from this region because they serve as key index fossils for the Cenomanian. FOSSIL TYPE AND SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
• Genus: Turrilites
• Species: Turrilites acutus
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Turrilitoidea
• Family: TurrilitidaeTurrilites acutus is one of the best-known heteromorph ammonites and plays a vital role as an index fossil for Cenomanian stratigraphy. Its distinct shell form and limited stratigraphic range make it an essential species for dating and correlating chalk formations across Europe. MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURESThe name acutus highlights the sharp, clearly defined features of this ammonite’s shell. Its key traits include:
• Helicoidal Coiling: A turret-like, vertical spiral shell instead of a flat disc.
• Sharp Ribbing: Strong, narrow ribs extend across the whorls, giving the fossil a sculptural, ridged appearance.
• Tuberculation: Small tubercles or nodes often occur along the ribs, providing diagnostic ornamentation.
• Keel Development: A keel is frequently present along the venter, aiding in identification and enhancing shell strength.These striking features make Turrilites acutus both visually dramatic and scientifically recognisable. SCIENTIFIC AND COLLECTOR IMPORTANCETurrilites acutus is stratigraphically significant, defining the acutus Zone of the Lower Cenomanian. Its presence allows geologists to pinpoint precise layers within the chalk sequence, making it one of the most important ammonites for Cenomanian biozonation.For collectors, Turrilites acutus represents one of the classic heteromorph ammonites of the Cretaceous. Its unusual vertical form and sharp ribbing stand out from more common ammonite fossils. Specimens from Sussex are especially prized due to the locality’s historic and scientific importance. DISPLAY AND EDUCATIONAL VALUEThis fossil has been carefully selected for its preservation, rib detail, and overall display quality. Its helically coiled structure creates a distinctive silhouette that makes it a focal point in any fossil collection.Ideal for display in a private collection, as part of an educational set, or within a museum exhibit, this Turrilites acutus ammonite from Sussex is both a conversation piece and an important scientific specimen. It reflects the extraordinary evolutionary diversity of ammonites during the Late Cretaceous seas of England, preserving a chapter of natural history that continues to fascinate collectors and palaeontologists alike.
Cenomanian-aged chalk deposits in Sussex, United Kingdom. Dating back to the Late Cretaceous Period, around 100–94 million years ago, this ammonite represents one of the most distinctive heteromorph groups, whose unusual coiling sets them apart from the familiar flat, planispiral ammonites. Fossils of Turrilites acutus are highly sought after by collectors and researchers for their rarity, diagnostic features, and scientific importance.All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube and rule squares included for precise sizing. GEOLOGICAL AGE AND LOCALITYThe Cenomanian Stage marks the beginning of the Late Cretaceous, a period when global sea levels reached some of their highest points in Earth’s history. Shallow epicontinental seas extended across Europe, creating a warm marine environment that supported abundant and diverse ammonite populations.The fossil-bearing chalk deposits of Sussex are part of the famous White Chalk cliffs of southern England. These chalks have been studied for centuries and are internationally recognised for their fossil content. Ammonites such as Turrilites acutus are especially valuable from this region because they serve as key index fossils for the Cenomanian. FOSSIL TYPE AND SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
• Genus: Turrilites
• Species: Turrilites acutus
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Turrilitoidea
• Family: TurrilitidaeTurrilites acutus is one of the best-known heteromorph ammonites and plays a vital role as an index fossil for Cenomanian stratigraphy. Its distinct shell form and limited stratigraphic range make it an essential species for dating and correlating chalk formations across Europe. MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURESThe name acutus highlights the sharp, clearly defined features of this ammonite’s shell. Its key traits include:
• Helicoidal Coiling: A turret-like, vertical spiral shell instead of a flat disc.
• Sharp Ribbing: Strong, narrow ribs extend across the whorls, giving the fossil a sculptural, ridged appearance.
• Tuberculation: Small tubercles or nodes often occur along the ribs, providing diagnostic ornamentation.
• Keel Development: A keel is frequently present along the venter, aiding in identification and enhancing shell strength.These striking features make Turrilites acutus both visually dramatic and scientifically recognisable. SCIENTIFIC AND COLLECTOR IMPORTANCETurrilites acutus is stratigraphically significant, defining the acutus Zone of the Lower Cenomanian. Its presence allows geologists to pinpoint precise layers within the chalk sequence, making it one of the most important ammonites for Cenomanian biozonation.For collectors, Turrilites acutus represents one of the classic heteromorph ammonites of the Cretaceous. Its unusual vertical form and sharp ribbing stand out from more common ammonite fossils. Specimens from Sussex are especially prized due to the locality’s historic and scientific importance. DISPLAY AND EDUCATIONAL VALUEThis fossil has been carefully selected for its preservation, rib detail, and overall display quality. Its helically coiled structure creates a distinctive silhouette that makes it a focal point in any fossil collection.Ideal for display in a private collection, as part of an educational set, or within a museum exhibit, this Turrilites acutus ammonite from Sussex is both a conversation piece and an important scientific specimen. It reflects the extraordinary evolutionary diversity of ammonites during the Late Cretaceous seas of England, preserving a chapter of natural history that continues to fascinate collectors and palaeontologists alike.
Other Products
