Eucalycoceras gothicum Ammonite Fossil Cretaceous Cenomanian France Genuine Specimen with COA

Description

Rare Eucalycoceras gothicum Ammonite Fossil from Indre-et-Loire, France

This exceptional ammonite fossil represents the species Eucalycoceras gothicum, a significant member of the mid-Cretaceous marine faunas. Originating from the Cenomanian stage of the Cretaceous period, this piece was discovered in the fossil-rich region of Indre-et-Loire, France. It is a carefully selected specimen, chosen for its preservation and scientific value. As with all of our fossils, it is 100% genuine and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photograph provided shows the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube to allow accurate assessment of its full size.

Geological Age and Formation

This ammonite fossil comes from the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous, dating back approximately 100.5 to 93.9 million years ago. The Cenomanian is globally significant as it marks the beginning of the Late Cretaceous, a time of extensive marine transgressions when vast shallow seas covered much of Europe. Indre-et-Loire, in the Touraine region of France, is renowned for its fossiliferous chalk and limestone deposits from this interval, yielding superb ammonites that are highly prized by collectors and researchers alike.

Taxonomy and Classification

Eucalycoceras gothicum belongs to the order Ammonitida, within the superfamily Acanthoceratoidea and the family Acanthoceratidae. Members of this family are characterised by moderately to strongly ribbed shells, often with tubercles or nodose ornamentation that give them a distinctive appearance. The genus Eucalycoceras is considered important for biostratigraphic studies, as its species are widely used to help date and correlate Cenomanian rock sequences across Europe and beyond.

Morphological Features

This fossil exhibits the diagnostic traits of Eucalycoceras gothicum, including bold, well-defined ribs and a relatively compressed shell structure. The ornamentation on the shell not only served an evolutionary role in strengthening the structure but also contributed to the animal’s hydrodynamics as it moved through the Cretaceous seas. The combination of ribbing and whorl shape makes this species highly recognisable and sought after by collectors of classic Cenomanian ammonites.

Paleoenvironment and Ecology

During the Cenomanian, the region that is now Indre-et-Loire was part of a warm, shallow epicontinental sea. These conditions supported an abundance of ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, and other marine organisms. Eucalycoceras gothicum would have been a nektonic predator, actively swimming and hunting smaller marine creatures such as crustaceans and juvenile mollusks. Its presence in large numbers within Cenomanian deposits highlights its role as an important component of mid-Cretaceous marine ecosystems.

Collector’s Value and Authenticity

This Eucalycoceras gothicum ammonite is not only a scientifically significant specimen but also a striking display piece. The fossil is preserved in detail, allowing close study of its ribbing and whorl structure. Each specimen is photographed individually to ensure you will receive the exact fossil pictured. The 1 cm scale cube included in the photograph provides clear size reference. Every fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying it as a 100% genuine natural specimen.

Owning this ammonite offers the rare opportunity to hold in your hands a fossil over 95 million years old, a piece of Earth’s natural history from the ancient seas of France. It is an excellent addition to any fossil collection, a teaching specimen for paleontology enthusiasts, or a unique natural history display.