Description
Authentic Fossil Ammonite from France
This listing is for a genuine fossil ammonite, Holcodiscus nodosus, from the renowned Alps Maritime region of France. Dating back to the Upper Barremian stage of the Early Cretaceous (approximately 125–120 million years ago), this specimen represents a striking and scientifically valuable example of a classic heteromorph ammonite. The fossil has been carefully chosen for its preservation and detail, and the photographs show the exact specimen you will receive. Scale rule squares / cube = 1 cm – please see the photos for accurate sizing. All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens, and each one is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Context: Upper Barremian of the Alps Maritime
The Alps Maritime of southeastern France is a world-famous locality for Early Cretaceous marine fossils. During the Barremian stage, this region formed part of a warm, shallow epicontinental sea on the northern margins of the Tethys Ocean. Fine-grained limestones and marls accumulated here, preserving an exceptional record of ammonites, belemnites, gastropods, and marine invertebrates.
The Upper Barremian is a key interval in Cretaceous stratigraphy, representing a period of significant ammonite diversification. Fossils from these deposits are highly valued for their role in defining biozones used by paleontologists to correlate rock sequences across Europe.
The Species: Holcodiscus nodosus
Holcodiscus nodosus belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Desmoceratoidea, and family Holcodiscidae. This ammonite is characterised by its distinctive ornamented whorls, often with strong ribbing and pronounced nodules (or tubercles) along the shell surface. These nodules give the species its name and make it a visually striking fossil.
The coiling of Holcodiscus nodosus is typically planispiral with compressed whorls, while the ribs and nodes provide important diagnostic features for identification. Such traits are also thought to have played roles in shell strength and hydrodynamics as the animal moved through the water column.
This species is widely recognised as an important index fossil for the Upper Barremian, making it essential for dating and correlating Cretaceous sediments across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Morphological and Scientific Features
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
- Family: Holcodiscidae
- Genus and Species: Holcodiscus nodosus
- Geological Stage: Upper Barremian, Early Cretaceous (c. 125–120 Ma)
- Locality: Alps Maritime, France
- Shell Traits: Strong ribbing, pronounced nodes, compressed whorls, classic planispiral coiling
- Significance: Biostratigraphic marker and highly recognisable ammonite species
The distinctive morphology of Holcodiscus nodosus makes it an invaluable fossil for paleontological research and for collectors alike. Its ribbed and nodose ornamentation is not only aesthetically appealing but also provides important evolutionary clues about ammonite adaptation during the Early Cretaceous.
Collector and Display Value
This ammonite is not just a scientific specimen but also a beautiful natural display fossil. Its distinctive shell features make it highly desirable among collectors of ammonites and Cretaceous fossils. Specimens from the Alps Maritime are especially sought after due to the locality’s global reputation for producing high-quality, well-preserved ammonites.
Whether for a private collection, an educational setting, or as a unique display piece, this Holcodiscus nodosus offers both scientific importance and natural beauty. Every fossil is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring that your purchase is a genuine specimen and a lasting piece of Earth’s deep history.
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