Fossil Ammonite Hemihoplites feraudianus Upper Barremian Cretaceous France COA

Description

Rare Fossil Ammonite – Hemihoplites feraudianus from France

This listing is for a superb fossil ammonite, Hemihoplites feraudianus, originating from the Upper Barremian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 129–125 million years ago. Collected from the renowned fossil-bearing strata of the Alpes Maritimes region, France, this specimen represents a remarkable piece of Earth’s deep geological and evolutionary history. The fossil displayed in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its genuine origin.

Geological Setting – Upper Barremian, Early Cretaceous

The Barremian stage is part of the Lower Cretaceous, following the Hauterivian and preceding the Aptian. It is recognised for its marine sediments rich in ammonites, bivalves, and other invertebrates. The Alpes Maritimes in southeastern France provide exceptional exposures of these Cretaceous layers, yielding beautifully preserved ammonite fossils that are highly prized by collectors.

During this time, the region was submerged beneath shallow, warm seas connected to the wider Tethys Ocean, creating an environment ideal for ammonite proliferation. Fine-grained sediments allowed the preservation of delicate shell ornamentation, making specimens such as Hemihoplites feraudianus invaluable to palaeontology and collectors alike.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hoplitoidea
• Family: Hemihoplitidae
• Genus: Hemihoplites
• Species: Hemihoplites feraudianus

This species is a well-documented ammonite within the family Hemihoplitidae, a group of Cretaceous ammonites known for their robust shells and complex ornamentation.

Morphological Features

The Hemihoplites feraudianus ammonite is noted for its distinctive and attractive shell structure:

• Strongly ribbed whorls, with ribs bifurcating as they cross the flanks.
• Tuberculate ornamentation, with small nodes and spines often present along the ventrolateral shoulders.
• Compressed shell form, with a moderately narrow whorl section.
• Well-defined keel, giving the fossil a striking appearance from multiple angles.
• Intricate suture lines, representing the internal chamber divisions of the shell.

These traits not only provide clues about ammonite taxonomy but also enhance the fossil’s aesthetic and display value.

Palaeoecology – Life in the Barremian Seas

Ammonites like Hemihoplites were active nektonic cephalopods, moving through the Cretaceous seas much like modern squids or nautiluses. Their chambered shells allowed buoyancy control, enabling them to rise and fall in the water column while hunting prey such as plankton, small crustaceans, and other molluscs.

The shallow marine environment of the Tethys Ocean margins supported a rich biodiversity, with ammonites sharing their habitat with early marine reptiles, echinoids, bivalves, and gastropods. The abundance and diversity of ammonites make them invaluable as index fossils, allowing geologists to date and correlate rock layers across vast regions.

Collector and Display Significance

This fossil ammonite, Hemihoplites feraudianus, is not only scientifically important but also visually striking. The ribbed ornamentation and distinctive keel give the specimen a bold and textured appearance. Collectors will value this fossil for its rarity, provenance, and the fact that it comes from the historically significant Alpes Maritimes deposits.

Its size, preservation, and authenticity make it suitable both for serious fossil collections and for use as a unique decorative or educational display piece. Whether displayed in a private cabinet or a teaching collection, it is certain to attract attention and admiration.

Provenance and Guarantee

• Species: Hemihoplites feraudianus
• Age: Early Cretaceous, Upper Barremian (approx. 129–125 million years old)
• Location: Alpes Maritimes, France
• Geological Formation: Barremian marine strata

All our specimens are 100% genuine and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs provided show the actual fossil you will receive, carefully selected for quality and scientific value.

This rare French ammonite fossil from the Upper Barremian stage offers a direct connection to the ancient seas of the Early Cretaceous, making it an exceptional addition for fossil enthusiasts, collectors, and educators alike.