Hysteroceras orbignyi Fossil Ammonite Gault Clay Aptian Cretaceous Folkestone Kent

Description

Genuine Hysteroceras orbignyi Fossil Ammonite from Folkestone, Kent

This listing is for an authentic Hysteroceras orbignyi fossil ammonite, a beautifully preserved specimen from the Gault Clay Formation at Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom. Dating from the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period (approximately 125–113 million years ago), this ammonite represents a remarkable piece of natural history. The fossil pictured is the exact item you will receive, carefully selected for its scientific and collector value. Each fossil is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its genuine provenance.

Geological Context – Gault Clay Formation

The Gault Clay Formation is a renowned fossil-bearing deposit that spans the Aptian–Albian stages of the Early Cretaceous. It consists of finely bedded, dark marine clays that accumulated in a relatively deep, low-energy marine environment. Such conditions were ideal for the preservation of delicate fossils, including ammonites, bivalves, crustaceans, and marine reptiles.

Folkestone, in particular, is one of the most important fossil localities in the UK for this formation. Its coastal exposures provide a window into Cretaceous marine life, and specimens from this area are prized by collectors worldwide for their preservation and scientific significance.

Species Overview – Hysteroceras orbignyi

The genus Hysteroceras belongs to the Order Ammonitida, within the Superfamily Desmoceratoidea and the Family Desmoceratidae. The species Hysteroceras orbignyi is an important ammonite in Early Cretaceous stratigraphy, often used to help date and correlate Aptian deposits across Europe.

Key morphological features include:

• Coiled, moderately involute shell with well-defined whorls.
• Strong ribbing and ornamentation that often extends across the flanks and towards the venter.
• A relatively compressed shell shape, giving the ammonite a graceful yet robust appearance.
• Complex suture patterns, reflecting the intricate internal septa of the shell, often visible on well-preserved specimens.

These features not only make Hysteroceras orbignyi scientifically important but also highly attractive for display, with its ribbed form and natural patterns capturing the essence of Cretaceous ammonite diversity.

Scientific and Stratigraphic Importance

Hysteroceras orbignyi is a significant biostratigraphic index fossil for the Aptian stage of the Cretaceous. Its relatively narrow temporal range makes it invaluable for geologists and paleontologists in correlating rock sequences across different geographic regions. Ammonites of this type are particularly important in understanding evolutionary trends and the rapid diversification of marine life during the Early Cretaceous.

Fossils from the Folkestone Gault Clay not only hold collector value but also contribute to the wider understanding of ancient paleoenvironments, sedimentation, and marine ecosystems. They offer insights into how life adapted to changing sea levels and climates during a dynamic interval in Earth’s history.

Provenance and Classification

• Genus: Hysteroceras
• Species: Hysteroceras orbignyi
• Age: Aptian, Early Cretaceous (~125–113 million years ago)
• Formation: Gault Clay
• Locality: Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
• Family: Desmoceratidae

Collector’s Value and Authenticity

Owning a Hysteroceras orbignyi ammonite fossil from the famous Folkestone Gault Clay is a chance to add a scientifically important and visually striking specimen to your collection. Its rarity, combined with its excellent preservation, makes it highly desirable for fossil enthusiasts, researchers, and educators alike.

Every specimen we offer is guaranteed to be 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ensures your fossil is not only a fascinating piece of natural history but also a secure and verified addition to your collection.