Anahoplites picteti Ammonite Fossil Rare Lower Albian Cretaceous France Salin les Bains COA

Description

Rare Anahoplites picteti Ammonite Fossil from France

This listing offers a rare Anahoplites picteti ammonite fossil, a scientifically significant and beautifully preserved specimen from the Lower Albian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, discovered at Salin les Bains, Aube, France. At approximately 110 million years old, this ammonite represents an important part of Earth’s geological and evolutionary history. Each piece is carefully selected for quality and authenticity and is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, and the included scale cube (1 cm) provides an accurate measurement guide.

Geological Context: Lower Albian, Cretaceous Period

The Albian Stage (113–100 million years ago) is one of the key subdivisions of the Early Cretaceous, noted for rapid ammonite diversification and global marine transgressions. During this time, shallow epicontinental seas covered much of Europe, depositing fine sediments such as clays and marls that facilitated exceptional fossil preservation.

The region of Salin les Bains in France is especially renowned for its Gault Clay deposits, which yield a wealth of ammonite species including members of the genus Anahoplites. These fossils are critical for biostratigraphy, with certain forms serving as reliable index fossils used to date Albian strata across Europe.

Scientific Classification

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Genus: Anahoplites
• Species: picteti
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hoplitaceae
• Family: Hoplitidae
• Geological Age: Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous (c. 110 million years ago)
• Locality: Salin les Bains, Aube, France

Morphological Features of Anahoplites picteti

The Anahoplites picteti ammonite is distinguished by its elegant and finely detailed shell morphology. Notable features include:

• Moderately evolute coiling, with all whorls clearly visible in profile.
• Evenly spaced, strong ribbing that runs across the flanks, terminating at the ventrolateral edge.
• Well-defined ventrolateral tubercles, a diagnostic trait of the genus, adding texture and ornamentation.
• Compressed whorl section with a narrow venter, reflecting hydrodynamic adaptation for active swimming.
• A suture pattern that is intricate and characteristic of the Hoplitidae family.

These traits not only make A. picteti identifiable but also demonstrate its functional morphology, suited to a nektonic, predatory lifestyle within the Albian seas.

Paleoecology and Depositional Environment

Ammonites like Anahoplites picteti were active marine predators, using their buoyant, chambered shells to control depth while hunting small molluscs, crustaceans, and plankton. Their presence in shallow marine clay deposits indicates deposition in a calm, relatively low-energy environment with periodic influxes of fine sediment that enabled the exquisite preservation of fossils.

The Salin les Bains locality is well-documented as part of the Western European Cretaceous marine corridor, making it a vital reference point for paleontologists studying Albian ecosystems. Fossils from this region are prized for both their scientific utility and their aesthetic appeal.

Collector and Display Significance

This rare Anahoplites picteti ammonite fossil is both scientifically important and visually striking. Specimens from the Hoplitidae are integral to defining Albian biostratigraphy, with A. picteti playing a role in refining zonal schemes used across Europe.

For collectors, this fossil offers not only a tangible connection to the Early Cretaceous seas but also a well-preserved and aesthetically appealing specimen. Its provenance from the renowned French locality of Salin les Bains further enhances its desirability. Whether displayed in a private collection, used for educational purposes, or valued as an investment piece, this ammonite is an excellent example of its kind.

Key Details

• Species: Anahoplites picteti
• Age: Lower Albian Stage, Early Cretaceous (~110 million years old)
• Location: Salin les Bains, Aube, France
• Features: Evolute shell, ribbing, tubercles, compressed whorl section
• Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact Specimen: You will receive the fossil shown in the photographs
• Scale: 1 cm cube shown for precise sizing

This authentic Anahoplites picteti ammonite fossil from France combines scientific importance, rarity, and natural beauty, making it a remarkable addition to any fossil collection.