5.25″ Nigericeras gignouxi Fossil Ammonite – Lower Turonian Stage, Cretaceous – Gombe, Nigeria – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

This listing features a beautifully preserved 5.25-inch fossil ammonite of the species Nigericeras gignouxi from the Lower Turonian Stage of the Cretaceous period, found in the Gombe region of Nigeria. This rare and scientifically important specimen comes from the distinguished Alice Purnell Collection, known for its exceptional curation and documentation.

Nigericeras gignouxi is a relatively rare genus of ammonite belonging to the family Acanthoceratidae, characterised by its moderately involute shell, pronounced ribbing, and occasional tubercles. Ammonites in this group thrived in the warm, shallow seas that covered much of Africa during the Late Cretaceous, around 93–89 million years ago.

As marine cephalopods, ammonites like Nigericeras were active swimmers and likely fed on small fish and crustaceans. Their distinctive spiral shells, chambered interiors, and rapid evolutionary changes make them both palaeontologically significant and visually striking.

Geological Context: This specimen comes from the Gombe Formation of northeastern Nigeria, a Cretaceous marine deposit rich in ammonites and other marine life. The Lower Turonian period followed a major global oceanic anoxic event and marks a time of renewed biodiversity in marine ecosystems.

Ammonites from this region provide valuable data for understanding faunal distribution across the Cretaceous seas of Africa and help to correlate stratigraphic layers across continents.

Key Details:

• Species: Nigericeras gignouxi (Ammonite)
• Fossil Type: Extinct marine cephalopod
• Age: Lower Turonian Stage, Cretaceous Period (~93–89 million years ago)
• Location Found: Gombe, Nigeria
• Provenance: From the Alice Purnell Collection
• Size: Approx. 5.25 inches – see 1cm scale cube in photo
• Condition: Excellent preservation with visible coiling and shell ornamentation
• Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Photo: The exact specimen shown is the one you will receive

Scientific & Display Value: Ammonites like Nigericeras gignouxi are highly sought after due to their rarity and biostratigraphic importance, particularly in underrepresented regions like West Africa. With its defined ribbing and impressive preservation, this specimen is ideal for collectors, educators, and museums. As part of the Alice Purnell Collection, its provenance adds historical and research value.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

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Secure your piece of Earth’s ancient oceans with this authentic 5.25″ Nigericeras gignouxi fossil ammonite from the Lower Turonian of Gombe, Nigeria.