Baskaniceras smithi Fossil Ammonite Lower Turonian Cretaceous Soria Burgos Spain COA

Description

Authentic Baskaniceras smithi Fossil Ammonite from Spain

This listing offers a rare and genuine Baskaniceras smithi fossil ammonite, dating to the Lower Turonian stage of the Cretaceous period, approximately 93–89 million years ago. Collected from Soria, Burgos, Spain, this specimen captures the striking details of a marine predator that once thrived in the ancient seas of the Iberian Peninsula. The fossil you see in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, accompanied by a 1 cm scale cube for precise sizing. Each purchase is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and genuine nature.

Geological Context – Lower Turonian Seas of Spain

The Lower Turonian marks an interval within the Late Cretaceous, following the Cenomanian. During this time, global sea levels were extremely high, resulting in widespread shallow seas that created ideal conditions for ammonites and other marine organisms to flourish.

The Soria and Burgos region of Spain is well known for its rich Turonian deposits, which have yielded ammonites, bivalves, echinoids, and marine reptiles. These fossil-rich limestone and marl layers formed within a warm epicontinental sea that was part of the vast Tethys Ocean system. This environment preserved exquisite ammonite fossils, with Baskaniceras smithi standing out as one of the more distinctive species.

Species Profile – Baskaniceras smithi

Baskaniceras smithi belongs to the order Ammonitida, within the family Collignoniceratidae, a group recognized for their compressed shells and ornamented ribs.

Key features of this species include:

• Shell Shape: Moderately involute with a compressed, discoidal form.
• Ribbing: Distinct ribs radiating across the flanks, often bifurcating and curving toward the venter.
• Whorl Section: Narrow and high-sided, emphasizing the rib structure and adding to the aesthetic character of the shell.
• Sutures: Intricate suture lines, showcasing the complexity typical of advanced Cretaceous ammonites.

These features not only aid in identification but also make the species attractive for collectors due to its elegant and recognizable shell morphology.

Scientific Importance and Biozonation

Ammonites like Baskaniceras smithi are invaluable to geologists and paleontologists because they serve as index fossils. Their relatively rapid evolution and wide distribution allow precise dating and correlation of sedimentary rock layers across Europe and beyond. Specimens from the Lower Turonian help refine the chronology of marine transgressions and paleoenvironmental changes during the Cretaceous greenhouse world.

Collector and Display Value

This ammonite fossil represents a rare and desirable specimen from Spain. Its ribbed ornamentation and compact coiling make it highly suitable for display, whether in a private fossil collection, a natural history exhibit, or as a unique decorative piece. The combination of scientific significance and natural beauty ensures it will remain a highlight of any collection.

• Species: Baskaniceras smithi
• Order: Ammonitida
• Family: Collignoniceratidae
• Age: Lower Turonian, Late Cretaceous (~93–89 million years old)
• Locality: Soria, Burgos, Spain
• Guarantee: 100% genuine with Certificate of Authenticity

Authenticity and Guarantee

Every fossil we offer is carefully sourced, cleaned, and inspected for authenticity. This Baskaniceras smithi ammonite is no exception—an authentic relic of the Cretaceous seas of Spain, preserved in remarkable detail. A specimen that is both scientifically valuable and aesthetically striking, it provides an extraordinary opportunity to own a true fragment of Earth’s distant past.