Micraster schroeteri Fossil Echinoid Cretaceous Bianzac France Authentic Certified | Rare Sea Urchin Collectible Fossil

Description

Genuine Micraster schroeteri Fossil Echinoid from France

This listing offers a superb Micraster schroeteri fossil echinoid from the Late Cretaceous, specifically the Lower Campanian stage, collected at Bianzac, France. Micraster echinoids, often referred to as fossil sea urchins, are iconic representatives of the chalk seas that dominated Europe during the Cretaceous period. This specimen has been carefully chosen for both its scientific interest and display appeal. The photographs provided show the actual fossil you will receive, with a scale rule cube of 1 cm for accurate sizing.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, making them suitable for both collectors and educational purposes.

Geological Context – Late Cretaceous, Campanian Stage

The fossil originates from the Lower Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous (approx. 83 to 72 million years ago). At this time, much of Western Europe was submerged beneath warm shallow seas rich in life. The chalk deposits of France preserve a wealth of marine organisms, and Micraster echinoids are among the most recognizable.

These echinoids are frequently used as biostratigraphic markers, helping geologists date the surrounding sediments. Their evolutionary changes through time make them especially valuable in defining biozones within the Cretaceous chalk successions of Europe.

Fossil Type and Species Identification

• Species: Micraster schroeteri
• Order: Spatangoida
• Superfamily: Spatangoidea
• Family: Micrasteridae

This particular species was first scientifically described in the 18th century and remains one of the most widely studied fossil echinoids. The identification of this specimen has been made in line with established palaeontological references and classification frameworks.

Morphological Features

Micraster schroeteri is a classic heart urchin with a distinctive bilaterally symmetrical, elongated test (shell). Key features include:

• A heart-shaped outline with a slightly pointed anterior.
• A well-developed frontal groove running along the upper surface, an adaptation linked to its burrowing lifestyle.
• Petaloid ambulacra (the petal-like patterns on the test) arranged in a star-shaped formation.
• The periproct (anal opening) positioned towards the posterior margin, typical of spatangoid echinoids.

These traits allowed the echinoid to live partially buried in soft chalky sea-floor sediment, filter-feeding on organic matter.

Scientific and Collector Value

Micraster fossils are significant to both amateur collectors and professional palaeontologists because of their abundance and evolutionary importance. Their progressive adaptations to life in chalk environments illustrate the dynamic evolution of echinoids during the Late Cretaceous.

For collectors, this specimen represents an authentic piece of Europe’s Cretaceous heritage, ideal for display in a fossil cabinet, educational setting, or as part of a broader natural history collection.

Depositional Environment

The chalk of Bianzac represents a marine depositional environment, laid down in relatively calm, shallow seas. The fine-grained limestone was formed primarily from the remains of coccolithophores (microscopic algae), providing the perfect preservation medium for echinoids such as Micraster schroeteri. These fossils not only capture the morphology of the echinoid but also reflect the ancient marine ecosystems of the Cretaceous world.

Your Guarantee of Authenticity

Every fossil we offer is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The piece is not a reproduction or cast, but a carefully selected specimen chosen for its preservation and scientific accuracy. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with full size references provided by the scale cube.

This is a rare opportunity to own a museum-quality Micraster schroeteri fossil echinoid from France’s famous Cretaceous chalk deposits – a timeless piece of Earth’s natural history.