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Circopeltis baicheri Regular Echinoid Fossil Ypresian Eocene Antugnac France
Circopeltis baicheri Regular Echinoid Fossil Ypresian Eocene Antugnac France - Image 2

Circopeltis baicheri Regular Echinoid Fossil Ypresian Eocene Antugnac France

Original price was: £42.00.Current price is: £33.60.

CIRCOpeltis baicheri Regular Echinoid Fossil – Ypresian Stage, Early Eocene, Antugnac, France

This well-preserved fossil specimen is a rare Circopeltis baicheri, a regular echinoid (sea urchin) that lived during the Ypresian stage of the Early Eocene, approximately 56 to 47.8 million years ago. Found in the renowned marine fossil beds of Antugnac, southern France, this specimen exemplifies the morphological diversity and beauty of post-Paleocene echinoids.

Fossil Type & Species:

  • Type: Invertebrate Fossil (Regular Echinoid/Sea Urchin)
  • Species: Circopeltis baicheri
  • Phylum: Echinodermata
  • Class: Echinoidea
  • Order: Cidaroida (tentative placement)
  • Family: Cidaridae or related regular echinoid lineage
  • Described by: (Exact authority not formally cited; likely post-WWII paleontological records in European literature)

Geological & Stratigraphic Details:

  • Location: Antugnac, Aude, Occitanie, France
  • Formation: Ypresian marine marl and limestone beds
  • Geological Stage: Ypresian (Early Eocene)
  • Age: ~56–47.8 million years ago
  • Depositional Environment: Warm, shallow marine environment with carbonate-rich mud and fine sediment ideal for the preservation of echinoids
  • Biozone: Not specifically assigned; part of the broader Eocene echinoid-bearing beds of southern France

Morphology & Features: This Circopeltis baicheri specimen is noted for:

  • Symmetrical, globular to slightly flattened test (sea urchin shell)
  • Five distinct ambulacral zones with regularly spaced tubercles
  • No visible spines attached, though tubercle positions are preserved
  • Test diameter and surface ornamentation consistent with regular echinoid structure
  • Preserved in light beige to grey tones, sometimes with original sediment matrix attached

Notable: Circopeltis is a lesser-known but scientifically relevant genus of regular echinoids from the Eocene of France. Specimens like baicheri are rarely seen outside academic collections. Their presence helps define biodiversity recovery and reef evolution in the early Paleogene after the K-Pg mass extinction.

Specimen Details:

  • Origin: Antugnac, France
  • Species: Circopeltis baicheri
  • Fossil Type: Echinoid Shell (Regular Sea Urchin)
  • Geological Stage: Ypresian, Early Eocene
  • Size Reference: Scale rule square = 1cm (see photo for exact size)
  • Note: You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photograph

Authenticity & Quality: This fossil is professionally verified and 100% genuine. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. No restoration, casting, or enhancement has been applied.

Why Choose This Fossil? Ideal for:

  • Fossil collectors and echinoderm enthusiasts
  • Educational and teaching displays
  • Early Paleogene marine life studies
  • Decorative fossil art with scientific value

Shipping & Packaging: Fast, tracked shipping with secure, eco-conscious packaging. Each fossil is handled with expert care to ensure safe delivery.

Add a scientifically significant and visually elegant Circopeltis baicheri echinoid fossil to your collection from the beautiful marine beds of Antugnac, France.

 

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

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: UF3212 Category:

Description

Fossil Identification

This listing features a Circopeltis baicheri regular echinoid fossil identified as Ypresian, Eocene, from Antugnac, France. It is an appealing addition for fossil collectors, echinoid enthusiasts, geological displays and educational collections focused on the fossil record of the Eocene.

The identification Circopeltis baicheri provides an important taxonomic focus for collectors who enjoy documenting individual fossil forms rather than collecting only by broad category. Regular echinoids are members of the echinoderms, the marine animal group that includes sea urchins and related forms. Their characteristic body organisation is based on radial symmetry, and fossil examples can offer an opportunity to study the distinctive morphology associated with ancient echinoid life.

Geological Age and Locality

The specimen is identified as Ypresian, an internationally recognised stage within the Eocene Epoch. The Eocene forms part of the Palaeogene Period and represents a significant interval in the later development of modern marine and terrestrial ecosystems. A Ypresian identification places this fossil within the early Eocene portion of geological time.

The stated locality is Antugnac, France. Locality information is an important part of a fossil record because it connects the specimen with a specific geographic source and provides useful context for cataloguing, display labels and collection records. This combination of taxonomic identification, geological stage and locality makes the specimen especially suitable for a labelled cabinet display or geology teaching collection.

Collector and Display Interest

A named echinoid fossil such as Circopeltis baicheri can appeal to collectors building themed groups around fossil echinoderms, Eocene material or French fossils. It can also complement collections arranged by geological age, locality or fossil classification. The specimen may be displayed in a fossil cabinet, shadow box, study area or educational setting where its identification and geological context can be presented alongside other specimens.

The title and identification are suitable for search terms including Circopeltis baicheri, regular echinoid fossil, Ypresian fossil, Eocene fossil, Antugnac fossil and France fossil. These terms reflect the supplied identification and collection context without overstating the specimen’s characteristics.

Sizing and Photographs

Full sizing is shown in the photographs. The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive. Please review the images carefully for the specimen’s visible form, presentation and scale before purchase.

Authenticity

This Fossil is a genuine specimen and Includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.

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