Neosilesites nepos iridescent Ammonite Fossil Rare Lower Albian Cretaceous Madagascar

Description

Rare Neosilesites nepos Iridescent Ammonite Fossil from Madagascar

This stunning Neosilesites nepos ammonite fossil is an exceptionally preserved and rare specimen from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 113–107 million years old. Originating from the world-renowned fossil beds of Madagascar, this ammonite displays exquisite natural iridescence, a shimmering play of colours that enhances its visual appeal. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, carefully chosen for both its beauty and scientific interest. Every piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and authenticity.

Geological Context – The Lower Albian of Madagascar

The Lower Albian stage represents a critical interval of the Early Cretaceous, marked by widespread marine transgressions and rich ammonite diversity. Madagascar’s Albian deposits are globally recognised for their abundance of ammonite fossils, preserved under conditions that often retained their fine structural and ornamental detail.

During this time, Madagascar was part of the southern continents drifting apart in the opening of the Indian Ocean. Warm shallow seas covered large areas, providing an ideal environment for ammonites to flourish. Their fossils, such as this Neosilesites nepos, are not only beautiful but also serve as vital index fossils, allowing geologists to precisely date and correlate rock layers across different parts of the world.

Scientific Classification

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Neosilesites nepos
• Age: Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous (c. 113–107 million years ago)
• Locality: Madagascar
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
• Family: Desmoceratidae

Morphological Features and Iridescence

This Neosilesites nepos specimen demonstrates the distinctive traits of the genus:

• Shell Coiling: Moderately involute shell with well-defined whorls.
• Ornamentation: Subtle ribbing and suture details, giving depth and character to the fossil surface.
• Whorl Profile: Smooth lateral flanks with a rounded venter, contributing to the ammonite’s hydrodynamic form.
• Natural Iridescence: The shell surface displays vibrant flashes of green, gold, pink, and violet, caused by the microstructure of the nacre interacting with light.
• Preservation: The fossil retains fine surface details, showcasing its original morphology and making it both scientifically valuable and aesthetically captivating.

The iridescence in this ammonite is especially prized, as not all fossils from this region exhibit such a remarkable natural sheen. This feature makes the specimen highly desirable to collectors and an exceptional display piece.

Importance of Neosilesites nepos in Paleontology

Neosilesites nepos belongs to the Desmoceratidae, a family of smooth to weakly ornamented ammonites known for their widespread occurrence during the Cretaceous. The genus Neosilesites is used by paleontologists to help subdivide and correlate the Albian stage through biostratigraphy.

As a cephalopod, Neosilesites nepos would have been an active marine predator, feeding on smaller molluscs and crustaceans. Its streamlined shell and buoyancy control allowed it to navigate the warm shallow seas of Early Cretaceous Madagascar with efficiency.

Depositional Environment of Madagascar

The Lower Albian deposits of Madagascar formed in tropical shallow marine conditions, where sediments rich in carbonates and fine muds provided the perfect medium for fossil preservation. Ammonites buried rapidly in these deposits often retained their shell structure, and under particular conditions, the aragonite layers of the shell transformed into the iridescent nacre still visible today.

These deposits have long been celebrated for yielding ammonites with remarkable colouration and detail, making them a cornerstone of both paleontological research and private collections worldwide.

Collector Appeal and Display Value

This Neosilesites nepos ammonite fossil is not only a scientifically significant specimen but also a natural work of art. Its rarity, iridescent beauty, and well-preserved morphology make it ideal for collectors of fine fossils, natural history enthusiasts, or as a striking display item.

Each fossil is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity and photographed with a 1 cm scale cube, ensuring you receive exactly the specimen pictured. This ammonite is a genuine piece of Earth’s history, capturing a moment from the Early Cretaceous seas of Madagascar in extraordinary detail.

Key Details

• Fossil: Neosilesites nepos Ammonite
• Age: Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous (c. 113–107 million years old)
• Locality: Madagascar
• Classification: Order Ammonitida – Superfamily Desmoceratoidea – Family Desmoceratidae
• Distinctive Feature: Natural iridescence with vivid colour play
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen pictured with 1 cm scale cube for sizing

This is a rare opportunity to own a genuine iridescent Neosilesites nepos ammonite fossil from Madagascar, combining scientific importance with striking natural beauty.