9″ Fagesia pachydiscoides Fossil Ammonite – Lower Turonian, Cretaceous – Calais, France – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

This listing features a large and genuine 9-inch fossil ammonite of the species Fagesia pachydiscoides, from the Lower Turonian stage of the Cretaceous period, approximately 93–89 million years ago. This exceptional specimen was discovered near Calais, France, and forms part of the Alice Purnell Collection, renowned for its high-quality and well-documented fossil specimens.

Fagesia pachydiscoides belongs to the family Pachydiscidae, a group of strongly ribbed ammonites known for their inflated, rounded shells and prominent ornamentation. These ammonites were free-swimming marine cephalopods, closely related to modern squids, cuttlefish, and octopuses, though more similar in shape to the modern nautilus.

This specimen features well-preserved external detail and curvature, with a classic spiral form. Measuring approximately 9 inches across, it serves as an impressive display fossil and collector’s piece, illustrating the beauty and evolutionary history of ancient marine ecosystems.

Geological Context: The fossil originates from marine sedimentary deposits in the region of Calais, northern France, a location with rich Cretaceous exposures. During the Lower Turonian stage of the Late Cretaceous, this area was part of a shallow epicontinental sea that hosted abundant marine life, including a wide variety of ammonites, bivalves, and marine reptiles.

The Lower Turonian represents the time immediately following the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary event, a period of elevated sea levels and changing marine biodiversity. Fossils from this period are particularly important for understanding post-extinction faunal recovery and cephalopod evolution.

Key Details:

• Species: Fagesia pachydiscoides
• Fossil Type: Ammonite (marine cephalopod)
• Age: Lower Turonian Stage, Cretaceous (~93–89 million years ago)
• Location Found: Calais, France
• Provenance: From the Alice Purnell Collection
• Size: Approx. 9 inches – see scale cube (1cm) in photo for sizing
• Condition: Well-preserved with detailed shell morphology
• Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Photo: You will receive the exact specimen shown in the image

Scientific & Collector Value: Ammonites like Fagesia pachydiscoides are of significant palaeontological interest due to their widespread geographic distribution and rapid evolution, making them valuable index fossils for dating marine sedimentary rocks. This particular specimen is notable for its size, condition, and provenance, making it ideal for collectors, researchers, or as a centrepiece in a fossil display.

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

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Own a large and rare piece of the Cretaceous seas with this 9″ Fagesia pachydiscoides ammonite fossil from Calais, France.