Fossil Ammonite Brancoceras cricki Genuine Cretaceous Aptian UK Authentic Specimen

Description

Genuine Fossil Ammonite – Brancoceras cricki

This listing offers a rare and scientifically important Fossil Ammonite of the species Brancoceras cricki, dating to the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, collected from the famous Gault Clay deposits at Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom. Approximately 125–113 million years old, this ammonite is a classic representative of the Gault Clay fauna and has been carefully selected for its preservation and scientific interest. It is an excellent collector’s specimen from one of Britain’s most renowned fossil localities.

The Species – Brancoceras cricki

Brancoceras cricki belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Acanthoceratoidea, and Family Brancoceratidae. Species within Brancoceras are characterised by their compressed, planispiral shells with strong, well-defined ribbing. The ribs often bifurcate or branch across the whorls, creating a visually striking ornamentation. Brancoceras cricki is a particularly important ammonite in the Aptian biostratigraphy and has been used as a biozonal marker within the classic succession of the Gault Clay. Its distinct morphology makes it a key species for paleontologists as well as a desirable specimen for private collectors.

Geological Context – Aptian Stage, Cretaceous Period

The Aptian stage, spanning 125–113 million years ago, was a time of major ammonite diversification across the Tethyan and Boreal seas. The Gault Clay Formation at Folkestone, Kent, is one of the most famous Aptian–Albian fossil-bearing sequences in the world. This marine clay was deposited in a shallow epicontinental sea that covered much of southern England during the Early Cretaceous. Its fine-grained sediments preserved marine organisms in superb detail, including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, gastropods, fish, and occasional reptile remains. Fossils from this site have been extensively studied for centuries and are globally important for understanding Cretaceous marine life.

Morphological Features of the Fossil

This specimen of Brancoceras cricki shows the diagnostic features of the species:

• Tightly coiled, planispiral shell, creating a symmetrical spiral structure.
• Prominent ribbing that extends across the flanks of the whorls, with ribs often bifurcating toward the venter.
• Compressed cross-section, typical of the genus, producing an elegant yet robust profile.
• Fine suture patterns, preserved in sections of the fossil, highlighting the intricate chamber divisions that are characteristic of ammonites.

The specimen is presented with a 1 cm scale cube in the photographs for accurate size reference. The fossil shown is the exact piece you will receive, carefully chosen for its quality and authenticity.

Scientific Importance

Brancoceras cricki is an important ammonite species within the Aptian succession of the Gault Clay and has been widely used in defining ammonite biozones. As an index fossil, it allows geologists to date and correlate Aptian-aged rock layers with precision. Its distinct ribbing and shell morphology make it easily recognisable, ensuring its significance in paleontological research as well as its value to collectors of classic British fossils.

Provenance and Authenticity

• Species: Brancoceras cricki
• Age: Aptian, Early Cretaceous (~125–113 million years old)
• Locality: Gault Clay, Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom
• Family: Brancoceratidae
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring complete confidence in authenticity and provenance.

Why This Fossil is Exceptional

• A rare ammonite species from the world-famous Gault Clay deposits at Folkestone.
• Scientifically significant, used as a biozonal marker within the Aptian stage.
• Distinctive morphology with strong ribbing and elegant planispiral coiling.
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for peace of mind.

This Brancoceras cricki ammonite fossil is an outstanding example of an Aptian ammonite from the UK, combining scientific value, historical importance, and natural beauty. It is a superb addition to any serious fossil collection or natural history display.