Fossil Ammonite Douvilleiceras orbignyi Aptian Cretaceous Gault Clay Folkestone UK Specimen

Description

Authentic Fossil Ammonite – Douvilleiceras orbignyi

This listing is for a genuine Fossil Ammonite of the species Douvilleiceras orbignyi, discovered in the world-renowned Gault Clay deposits at Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom. This rare specimen dates back to the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 125–113 million years ago. It is a carefully selected piece of exceptional quality, with the photographs showing the exact fossil you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included in the images for accurate sizing.

The Species – Douvilleiceras orbignyi

Douvilleiceras orbignyi is one of the most distinctive ammonites from the Early Cretaceous and is highly prized by collectors for its robust and ornate shell structure. Belonging to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Acanthoceratoidea, and Family Douvilleiceratidae, this species is characterised by its strongly ribbed, tuberculate whorls and compressed, evolute shell form. The ribs are prominent, radiating across the whorls with striking tubercles, giving this ammonite a bold and easily recognisable appearance. These features made Douvilleiceras orbignyi an active swimmer in warm shallow seas, while also making it an excellent biostratigraphic marker for dating Aptian marine strata.

Geological Context – Aptian Stage, Early Cretaceous

The Aptian stage represents a key interval within the Early Cretaceous, spanning from approximately 125 to 113 million years ago. During this time, much of southern England, including Folkestone, lay beneath a shallow marine environment influenced by the Tethys Ocean. Sediments deposited here eventually formed the Gault Clay Formation, a globally significant site for fossil preservation. The Gault Clay is especially renowned for producing exquisitely preserved ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, echinoids, and marine reptile remains.

The fine-grained clay was laid down in a relatively low-energy depositional environment, which favoured the preservation of delicate fossil material. Fossils like Douvilleiceras orbignyi are essential to our understanding of Early Cretaceous marine ecosystems and evolutionary pathways, as they help scientists reconstruct paleoenvironments and refine the biostratigraphic framework of the Aptian stage.

Morphological Features of the Fossil

This particular specimen of Douvilleiceras orbignyi demonstrates several defining traits of the species:

• Strong ribbing and tubercles, creating a strikingly ornamented appearance.
• Evolute shell coiling, with inner whorls visible and widely spaced.
• Compressed profile, producing a balanced and symmetrical form.
• Excellent preservation in Gault Clay, with fine details of the ornamentation clearly visible.

These features make the fossil both a visually stunning specimen and an important piece for scientific study.

Scientific and Collectible Importance

Douvilleiceras orbignyi is regarded as one of the key index fossils of the Aptian stage, used globally to correlate marine sediments of this age. Its distinct morphology and wide distribution across Europe and beyond make it an invaluable tool for paleontologists. For fossil enthusiasts and collectors, its rarity and ornate ribbing also make it a centrepiece specimen, admired both for its scientific importance and aesthetic qualities.

Provenance and Authenticity

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

Every fossil we sell is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete peace of mind.

Why Choose This Fossil

• A rare and highly distinctive ammonite species from the Aptian stage.
• Found in the world-renowned Folkestone Gault Clay deposits.
• Displays the classic ribbed and tuberculate features of Douvilleiceras orbignyi.
• A scientifically significant specimen with strong collector appeal.
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This Douvilleiceras orbignyi fossil ammonite is an exceptional specimen, combining paleontological significance with striking natural beauty, making it a perfect addition to any fossil collection or educational display.