Mantelliceras lymense Ammonite Fossil Cretaceous Touraine France Genuine Specimen Fossil with COA

Description

Rare Mantelliceras lymense Ammonite Fossil from Touraine, France

This genuine Mantelliceras lymense ammonite fossil is a striking and scientifically valuable specimen from the Lower Cenomanian stage of the Cretaceous period, found in the famous fossil-rich deposits of Touraine, France. Carefully selected for both quality and authenticity, this piece displays the intricate natural features of the species, making it ideal for collectors, students of paleontology, or anyone with an interest in the deep history of life on Earth. As with all of our fossils, this specimen is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete peace of mind.

Geological Age and Formation

The fossil originates from the Lower Cenomanian stage, dating back approximately 100.5 to 93.9 million years ago. The Cenomanian marks the beginning of the Late Cretaceous epoch, a time when shallow epicontinental seas covered much of Europe. Touraine, in central France, is world-renowned for its marine deposits from this interval, preserving exceptional ammonites, mollusks, and other marine life. This fossil is a tangible remnant of a warm, shallow marine environment that supported diverse and abundant life during the mid-Cretaceous greenhouse world.

Species Details – Mantelliceras lymense

Mantelliceras belongs to the family Acanthoceratidae, within the order Ammonitida and superfamily Acanthoceratoidea. This group of ammonites is characterised by moderately evolute shells with strong ornamentation and ribbing, traits clearly visible in this specimen. Mantelliceras lymense is particularly notable for its robust rib structure and gently curved whorls, which reflect evolutionary adaptations to the dynamic marine ecosystems of the time. The genus Mantelliceras is also biostratigraphically important, frequently used by geologists and paleontologists as an index fossil to date Cenomanian-aged strata.

Morphological and Scientific Features

This specimen highlights the diagnostic features of Mantelliceras lymense, including prominent radial ribs and a relatively compressed whorl section. These morphological traits would have influenced the hydrodynamics of the shell, allowing the animal to navigate mid-level waters in the ancient seas of what is now France. The evolutionary success of the acanthoceratids lay in their adaptability and their wide geographic spread, making them crucial markers for understanding marine life in the Cretaceous. Fossils such as this help reconstruct both paleoecology and evolutionary history.

Depositional Environment and Paleoecology

The Lower Cenomanian of Touraine was deposited in a shallow, warm epicontinental sea during one of the highest sea levels of the Phanerozoic. These conditions supported prolific ammonite populations along with bivalves, gastropods, and marine reptiles. Mantelliceras lymense would have been a free-swimming nektonic predator, feeding on smaller marine organisms while itself forming part of a complex food web that included fish and marine reptiles. The preservation of this ammonite provides a glimpse into a thriving mid-Cretaceous marine ecosystem.

Collector’s Value and Authenticity

This ammonite fossil is not only a scientifically significant specimen but also a visually attractive piece for display. The scale cube in the accompanying photo shows measurements in 1 cm squares, allowing accurate assessment of the fossil’s size. Every fossil we sell is carefully chosen and photographed individually so that you will receive the exact specimen shown. The piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring that it is a genuine natural fossil and not a replica.

Owning this Mantelliceras lymense ammonite is an opportunity to hold in your hands a 100-million-year-old relic of the Cretaceous seas, a true piece of natural history from Touraine, France. This fossil is perfect for serious collectors, educational purposes, or as a unique natural history display.