Description
CIDARIS Regular Echinoid Fossil – Miocene Epoch, Aquitaine Basin, France
This well-preserved fossil echinoid specimen belongs to the genus Cidaris, a spiny sea urchin that lived during the Miocene Epoch of the Neogene Period, approximately 23 to 5.3 million years ago. This specimen was recovered from the marine fossil beds of the Aquitaine Basin in southwestern France—an area known for its rich Cenozoic fossil record.
Fossil Type & Species:
- Type: Invertebrate Fossil (Regular Echinoid / Sea Urchin)
- Genus: Cidaris
- Phylum: Echinodermata
- Class: Echinoidea
- Order: Cidaroida
- Family: Cidaridae
- Described by: Lamarck, 1816 (genus)
Geological & Stratigraphic Details:
- Location: Aquitaine Basin, southwestern France
- Epoch: Miocene, Neogene Period
- Age: ~23–5.3 million years ago
- Formation: Marine sandstone, marl, or calcareous deposits typical of the Aquitaine Miocene sequences
- Depositional Environment: Shallow marine coastal settings—warm, sediment-rich seas ideal for echinoderm habitation and fossilisation
- Biozone: Miocene echinoid-bearing horizons (no specific subzone formally assigned)
Morphology & Features: This Cidaris echinoid fossil shows classic diagnostic traits:
- Robust, spherical test (the main shell of the echinoid) with well-developed primary tubercles
- Distinct ambulacral and interambulacral plates, often seen in fine detail
- Prominent spine attachment sites, though spines are typically absent or detached
- Natural colouration in pale brown, beige, or grey, depending on matrix composition
Notable: Cidaris species are considered some of the most iconic echinoids due to their symmetrical shell and large, easily recognisable spines. Fossils from the Miocene of France are relatively rare and serve as important data points for understanding post-Oligocene echinoid diversity and the evolution of marine ecosystems.
Specimen Details:
- Origin: Aquitaine Basin, France
- Genus: Cidaris (specific species not formally determined)
- Fossil Type: Regular Echinoid / Sea Urchin Test
- Geological Epoch: Miocene
- Size Reference: Scale rule square = 1cm (see listing photo for dimensions)
- Note: The pictured specimen is the exact fossil you will receive
Authenticity & Quality: This fossil is professionally verified and 100% genuine. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and has not been reconstructed or artificially altered.
Why Choose This Fossil? Ideal for:
- Collectors of fossil echinoids and Cenozoic marine fauna
- Educational use and academic study
- Natural history museum displays
- Decorative and conversation-starting fossil art
Shipping & Packaging: We ship worldwide using eco-conscious and secure packaging. All items are sent via tracked delivery to ensure safe and prompt arrival.
Add a classic and beautifully preserved piece of Miocene marine history to your collection with this authentic Cidaris echinoid fossil from France.
All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
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