Fossil Ammonite Protoanisoceras Genuine Cretaceous Albian France Authentic Specimen

Description

Genuine Fossil Ammonite – Protoanisoceras

This listing presents a striking Fossil Ammonite of the genus Protoanisoceras, dating from the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, collected from Aube, France. Approximately 113–100 million years old, this ammonite reflects a fascinating period of evolutionary development when heteromorph ammonites were diversifying into unusual shell forms. Carefully chosen for its preservation, this specimen offers both collectors and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own an authentic example from one of France’s most celebrated Cretaceous fossil localities.

The Genus – Protoanisoceras

Protoanisoceras belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Turrilitoidea, and Family Anisoceratidae. Unlike typical planispiral ammonites, heteromorphs such as Protoanisoceras developed irregular shell shapes, ranging from loosely coiled whorls to helical and hook-like structures. This genus is particularly important because it represents an early form of anisoceratid heteromorphs, showing transitional features between more conventional ammonites and the highly irregular forms that appeared later in the Cretaceous. Their unusual morphology not only makes them visually distinctive but also highly desirable for scientific study and fossil collections.

Geological Context – Albian Stage, Early Cretaceous

The Albian stage, spanning 113–100 million years ago, was a key interval of the Early Cretaceous, marked by significant diversification among ammonites. The Aube region of France is world-renowned for its richly fossiliferous marine deposits, which form part of the classic Paris Basin geological sequence. These deposits were laid down in shallow seas connected to the Tethys Ocean, where fine sediments preserved marine organisms in remarkable detail. Fossils from this region include ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, gastropods, and occasional vertebrate remains, offering a window into a thriving Cretaceous marine ecosystem.

Morphological Features of the Fossil

This Protoanisoceras specimen displays distinctive heteromorph traits:

• Irregular shell coiling, deviating from the typical tightly wound planispiral forms.
• Elongated and curved whorls, forming an open and distinctive structure.
• Ribbing and ornamentation, visible across the whorls, enhancing its striking appearance.
• Complex sutures, typical of ammonites, preserved in sections of the fossil and demonstrating evolutionary adaptations for buoyancy control.

A 1 cm scale cube is shown in the photographs to provide accurate size reference. The specimen pictured is the exact fossil you will receive, selected for its clarity, preservation, and display quality.

Scientific Importance

Heteromorph ammonites like Protoanisoceras are of considerable scientific importance because they illustrate the evolutionary experimentation that occurred among ammonites during the Cretaceous. Their unusual shell shapes demonstrate adaptive strategies beyond the streamlined swimming forms of earlier ammonites, possibly linked to different modes of life in the water column. As an index fossil, Protoanisoceras also plays a role in refining the stratigraphy of the Albian stage, helping geologists date and correlate marine rock layers across Europe.

Provenance and Authenticity

• Genus: Protoanisoceras
• Age: Albian, Early Cretaceous (~113–100 million years old)
• Locality: Aube, France
• Family: Anisoceratidae
• Superfamily: Turrilitoidea
• Order: Ammonitida

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

Why This Fossil is Exceptional

• A rare and distinctive heteromorph ammonite from the Albian stage.
• Displays the unusual coiling and morphology characteristic of Protoanisoceras.
• Sourced from the classic Aube fossil beds of France, a renowned Cretaceous locality.
• Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its genuineness.

This Protoanisoceras ammonite fossil is a unique piece of natural history, combining scientific value with striking aesthetics. It is an exceptional addition to any fossil collection or natural history display.