Deshayesites deshayesi Ammonite Fossil | Aptian, Cretaceous | Nalchik, North Caucasus Russia | Alice Purnell Collection

Description

Fossil Type & Species:

This listing features a genuine ammonite fossil of Deshayesites deshayesi, a highly recognisable and scientifically important species from the Aptian Stage of the Lower Cretaceous Period. This well-preserved specimen was discovered in Nalchik, North Caucasus, Russia, and is part of the celebrated Alice Purnell Collection, noted for its museum-grade, scientifically curated fossil specimens.

Geological Formation & Insight:

Deshayesites deshayesi is one of the most important biostratigraphic index fossils for the Aptian (~125–113 million years ago), marking the base of this stage across Europe and Asia. A member of the family Deshayesitidae, it is known for its moderately involute coiling, finely ribbed shell, and precise evolutionary position in the Early Cretaceous.

This specimen comes from marine deposits of the Nalchik region, situated in the North Caucasus, an area rich in Lower Cretaceous stratigraphy. During the Aptian, this region was submerged beneath the Tethys Ocean’s shallow epicontinental seas, which supported a thriving marine ecosystem. These conditions led to the preservation of a diverse fossil record, including ammonites, belemnites, and bivalves.

Ammonites like Deshayesites were nektonic, fast-swimming cephalopods that played a vital ecological role as both predators and prey in Cretaceous seas. Their widespread distribution and rapid evolution make them ideal for dating geological strata with great precision.

Item Specifics:

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Deshayesites deshayesi
• Geological Age: Aptian Stage, Lower Cretaceous (~125–113 million years ago)
• Formation: Lower Cretaceous marine sediments
• Locality: Nalchik, North Caucasus, Russia
• Provenance: From the Alice Purnell Collection
• Preservation: Excellent – showing well-defined ribbing and shell coiling
• Colour: Natural earth tones — grey, brown, or beige matrix
• Size: See photo – scale cube squares = 1cm
• Condition: 100% natural, no restoration
• Specimen: You will receive the exact fossil pictured

Authenticity Guarantee:

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This Deshayesites deshayesi fossil is part of the trusted Alice Purnell Collection, ensuring authenticity, provenance, and collector-grade quality.

Shipping & Packaging:

Securely packed and shipped with full tracking. A rare and highly desirable fossil perfect for collectors, educators, paleontologists, or as a unique natural history gift.

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