Neoharpoceras hugardianum Ammonite Fossil Rare Albian Cretaceous Greatness Lane UK COA

Description

Selling Title

Neoharpoceras hugardianum Ammonite Fossil Rare Albian Cretaceous Greatness Lane UK COA

Rare Neoharpoceras hugardianum Ammonite Fossil Albian Cretaceous Greatness Lane United Kingdom Genuine Specimen with Certificate

Long Description

Rare Neoharpoceras hugardianum Ammonite Fossil from the United Kingdom

This listing offers a rare Neoharpoceras hugardianum ammonite fossil from the Albian stage of the Cretaceous period, discovered at Greatness Lane in the United Kingdom. This exceptional specimen dates back to approximately 113–100 million years ago, making it a striking and scientifically valuable piece of natural history. Every fossil we sell is a carefully chosen specimen, photographed individually so that you receive the exact piece shown, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete assurance of its genuine nature.

Geological Setting – Albian Stage, Cretaceous Period

The Albian stage represents the final stage of the Early Cretaceous, spanning from about 113 to 100 million years ago. During this time, much of southern England was submerged under warm shallow seas. These marine environments were rich in life, particularly ammonites, which flourished in the nutrient-rich waters. Sediments deposited during this time preserved a wide variety of fossils within clay and marl beds, making sites such as Greatness Lane especially important for paleontological study.

Ammonites like Neoharpoceras hugardianum are key biostratigraphic markers for this interval, used by geologists to date and correlate marine deposits across Europe. Their preservation provides invaluable insight into Cretaceous ecosystems and evolutionary trends.

Scientific Classification

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Neoharpoceras hugardianum
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hoplitoidea
• Family: Engonoceratidae
• Geological Age: Albian Stage, Cretaceous Period (c. 113–100 million years ago)
• Locality: Greatness Lane, United Kingdom

Morphological Features of Neoharpoceras hugardianum

The genus Neoharpoceras is renowned for its distinctive shell structure and fine ornamentation. This species displays:

• Planispiral, discoidal shell with tightly coiled whorls.
• Strong ribbing and sculpturing, creating a visually striking pattern across the flanks.
• A narrow, compressed venter that distinguishes it from other ammonites of the same age.
• Intricate suture lines, marking the boundaries between the shell’s internal buoyancy chambers.

These morphological features are not only visually impressive but also shed light on the adaptations of ammonites to life in open marine waters, where shell shape influenced stability, movement, and defense against predators.

Paleoecology and Significance

Ammonites such as Neoharpoceras hugardianum were active nektonic cephalopods, propelling themselves with jet-like bursts of water. They hunted smaller marine creatures, including planktonic crustaceans and juvenile fish, while also serving as prey for larger predators such as marine reptiles. Their rapid evolutionary rates and wide geographic distribution mean they serve as vital index fossils, allowing precise dating of the Albian strata where they are found.

The presence of this species in Greatness Lane deposits reflects a shallow marine depositional environment, characterized by fine clays and marls laid down in calm waters. These conditions were ideal for preserving delicate fossil material, capturing not only ammonites but also bivalves, gastropods, and other marine fauna.

Collector’s Value and Authenticity

Owning a specimen of Neoharpoceras hugardianum from the UK is a rare opportunity for fossil enthusiasts. Unlike ammonites from Madagascar or Morocco, fossils from Greatness Lane are less commonly available on the market, enhancing their desirability. The detailed ribbing and well-preserved shell structure of this fossil make it both a scientific specimen and a highly decorative display piece.

As with all our fossils, this ammonite is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and has been carefully photographed with a 1 cm scale cube to show accurate sizing. The fossil you see is the fossil you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase.

Key Details

• Fossil: Neoharpoceras hugardianum Ammonite
• Geological Age: Albian Stage, Cretaceous Period (c. 113–100 million years ago)
• Locality: Greatness Lane, United Kingdom
• Family: Engonoceratidae
• Distinctive Features: Discoidal shell, ribbing, compressed venter, complex sutures
• Supplied with Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen photographed, with 1 cm scale cube for reference

A scientifically significant and visually striking Neoharpoceras hugardianum ammonite fossil from Greatness Lane – a rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of Britain’s Cretaceous heritage.