Fossil Ammonite Hysteroceras tuberculatus Genuine Cretaceous Lower Albian France Specimen

Description

Genuine Fossil Ammonite – Hysteroceras tuberculatus

This listing offers a rare and beautifully preserved Fossil Ammonite of the species Hysteroceras tuberculatus, from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, discovered in France. At around 113–110 million years old, this ammonite is highly valued by collectors and paleontologists alike for its distinctive ornamentation and its important role in stratigraphic classification. Carefully selected for its preservation and detail, this specimen represents a true piece of natural history from one of Europe’s most significant Cretaceous fossil localities.

The Species – Hysteroceras tuberculatus

Hysteroceras belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Acanthoceratoidea, and Family Brancoceratidae. The species tuberculatus is notable for its characteristic tuberculate ornamentation – small rounded nodes that appear along its ribs – which gives the shell a textured, three-dimensional appearance. These features make it distinct within the genus and also highly recognisable in the fossil record. Scientifically, Hysteroceras tuberculatus is significant as a biozonal marker within the Lower Albian, contributing to the precise dating and correlation of Cretaceous strata across Europe.

Geological Context – Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous

The Lower Albian stage, dating to approximately 113–110 million years ago, was a period of considerable diversification among ammonites. The marine deposits of France during this time were formed in shallow seas along the northern margins of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Sedimentation in these environments preserved a rich fossil assemblage, including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, and marine reptiles. The Hysteroceras genus flourished in these seas and today plays a crucial role in paleontological studies of the Albian. Fossils from these deposits remain among the most valuable sources for understanding Early Cretaceous marine ecosystems.

Morphological Features of the Fossil

This Hysteroceras tuberculatus fossil displays the classic features of the species:

• Planispiral coiling, with a tightly wound symmetrical spiral typical of ammonites.
• Prominent ribbing across the shell, providing strength and ornamentation.
• Tuberculate nodes at rib intersections, one of the defining traits of tuberculatus.
• Compressed cross-section, giving the shell an elegant yet robust profile.
• Suture lines, preserved in parts of the fossil, reflecting the complex internal chamber divisions characteristic of ammonites.

The fossil is pictured with a 1 cm scale cube for size reference, and the specimen shown is the exact piece you will receive, chosen for its clarity and detail.

Scientific Importance

Ammonites such as Hysteroceras tuberculatus are crucial for biostratigraphy. This species, with its distinct morphology, defines the Tuberculatus Zone of the Lower Albian, allowing geologists to date and correlate rock layers across Europe and beyond. Its global distribution highlights the evolutionary success of ammonites during this stage of the Cretaceous. For collectors, it is a highly desirable species due to both its rarity and its striking ornamentation.

Provenance and Authenticity

• Species: Hysteroceras tuberculatus
• Age: Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous (~113–110 million years old)
• Locality: France
• Family: Brancoceratidae
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for guaranteed provenance and peace of mind.

Why This Fossil is Exceptional

• A rare and scientifically significant ammonite defining the Tuberculatus Biozone.
• Displays the classic ribbing and tuberculate ornamentation of Hysteroceras tuberculatus.
• From the renowned Lower Albian deposits of France.
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring genuineness and provenance.

This Hysteroceras tuberculatus ammonite fossil is a superb specimen that combines scientific importance, geological history, and natural elegance, making it an outstanding addition to any fossil collection or display.