Fossil Bivalve Arctica Turonian Cretaceous Spain Authentic with COA Genuine Specimen

Description

Genuine Fossil Bivalve – Arctica

This listing offers a rare and authentic fossil bivalve belonging to the genus Arctica, dating to the Turonian stage of the Cretaceous period, and discovered in Spain. This specimen represents a marine mollusc that lived during the warm seas of the Late Cretaceous, around 90 million years ago. It has been carefully selected for its natural preservation and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The images provided show the actual fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing.

Geological Background

The fossil originates from Turonian deposits in Spain, a region well-known for its rich Cretaceous marine fauna. During the Turonian stage, shallow epicontinental seas covered much of Europe, creating a warm and nutrient-rich environment that supported diverse invertebrate communities. These seas were dominated by molluscs such as ammonites, inoceramids, and bivalves like Arctica.

The sediments that formed in these environments were typically carbonate-rich, enabling exceptional fossil preservation. The Turonian stage sits within the Upper Cretaceous and was a time of global high sea levels and extensive reef and shelf ecosystems. The presence of bivalves such as Arctica is significant in reconstructing the palaeoecology of these ancient seas.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Bivalvia
• Order: Venerida
• Superfamily: Arcticidae
• Family: Arcticidae
• Genus: Arctica

This genus is related to modern-day Arctica islandica, known as the ocean quahog, a species famous for its exceptional longevity. Fossils from the Cretaceous represent ancient relatives of this resilient group, making them an important link in understanding molluscan evolution.

Morphological Features

This fossilised Arctica specimen displays the characteristic rounded, robust shell of the genus, with clearly defined concentric growth lines. Its sturdy form suggests adaptation to life in soft marine substrates, where it would have lived partially buried in the sediment. Like its modern relatives, this bivalve was a filter feeder, drawing in seawater to extract plankton and organic particles.

The shell’s thickness and durability made it well-suited for survival in high-energy marine conditions, protecting the animal from predation and sedimentary abrasion. These features also contribute to its excellent fossilisation potential, resulting in well-preserved examples such as this specimen.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Fossils of Arctica are significant to palaeontologists because they contribute to the understanding of Cretaceous marine ecosystems and the evolutionary history of bivalves. They also serve as useful biostratigraphic indicators, helping geologists to date and correlate Turonian deposits across different regions.

For collectors, Arctica fossils are highly appealing due to their rarity, attractive shell morphology, and evolutionary connection to modern species. Their preservation provides a tangible link between present-day molluscs and their ancient ancestors. This makes them ideal not only for scientific reference but also as a fascinating addition to personal or educational fossil collections.

Provenance and Authenticity

This specimen was collected from Cretaceous deposits in Spain, specifically from Turonian strata, and has been fully verified for authenticity. As with all our fossils, it is provided with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its genuine origin and classification. No restoration or artificial enhancement has been applied – this is a natural fossil chosen for both quality and integrity.

This fossil bivalve Arctica from the Turonian stage of the Cretaceous in Spain is a scientifically important and visually striking specimen. Its excellent preservation, historical significance, and certified authenticity make it a valuable acquisition for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history.