Neosilesites seranonensis Ammonite Fossil Rare Lower Albian Cretaceous France COA

Description

Rare Neosilesites seranonensis Ammonite Fossil from France

This is a rare Neosilesites seranonensis ammonite fossil from the Lower Albian stage of the Cretaceous period, unearthed at Salin les Bains, Aub, France. Dating back approximately 113–109 million years, this specimen represents a fascinating example of Early Cretaceous ammonite diversity. Each fossil we offer is carefully chosen and individually photographed, meaning the piece shown is the exact specimen you will receive, and every purchase comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for guaranteed provenance.

Geological Context – Lower Albian, Cretaceous Period

The Lower Albian is part of the Early Cretaceous epoch, a time marked by significant global marine transgressions when shallow seas covered much of Europe. These seas supported thriving ecosystems of cephalopods, including ammonites such as Neosilesites seranonensis. The site at Salin les Bains in France is renowned for its ammonite-rich deposits, offering insight into both regional paleoenvironments and broader Cretaceous stratigraphy.

The ammonites from this stage are of particular importance as they provide excellent biostratigraphic markers, allowing paleontologists to divide the Lower Cretaceous into precise biozones. Fossils such as this are not only visually impressive but also scientifically significant in understanding Earth’s evolutionary and geological history.

Scientific Classification

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Neosilesites seranonensis
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
• Family: Desmoceratidae
• Geological Age: Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous (c. 113–109 million years ago)
• Locality: Salin les Bains, Aub, France

Morphological Features of Neosilesites seranonensis

The genus Neosilesites is noted for its distinctive shell form and sculptural detail, and N. seranonensis is a classic representative:

• Evolute coiling with whorls that are moderately inflated, providing a balanced, symmetrical shell.
• Fine ribbing along the flanks, which may be gently curved or slightly sinuous.
• A rounded venter that contrasts with the sharper ventral keels seen in other ammonite genera.
• Complex suture patterns marking the internal chamber divisions, highlighting its intricate internal structure.

These features suggest an ammonite adapted to active swimming in open marine waters, maintaining buoyancy and maneuverability through its chambered shell.

Paleoecology and Depositional Environment

Ammonites like Neosilesites seranonensis were nektonic predators, feeding on smaller marine organisms such as plankton, crustaceans, and juvenile fish. They thrived in the warm, shallow seas that dominated the Early Cretaceous, with their wide distribution and evolutionary turnover making them invaluable tools for geologists studying the Albian stage.

The deposits at Salin les Bains were formed in a marine sedimentary environment, composed of calcareous clays and marls. These fine sediments provided excellent preservation conditions, allowing ammonites to be fossilized with their characteristic ribbing and shell form intact.

Collector’s Value and Authenticity

Specimens of Neosilesites seranonensis are highly sought after by collectors due to their relative rarity outside of specialist fossil sites in France. The species’ distinct morphology makes it an attractive display piece while also holding value as a scientifically important fossil. Unlike more common ammonites from Madagascar or Morocco, French ammonites from the Albian are less frequently available, adding to their desirability for advanced collections.

Every specimen sold comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming it is a genuine fossil from the stated locality and geological age. The 1 cm scale cube visible in the photographs provides accurate sizing, and customers can be confident that the fossil shown is exactly the one they will receive.

Key Details

• Fossil: Neosilesites seranonensis Ammonite
• Age: Lower Albian Stage, Early Cretaceous (c. 113–109 million years ago)
• Location: Salin les Bains, Aub, France
• Family: Desmoceratidae
• Features: Evolute coiling, fine ribbing, rounded venter, complex sutures
• Supplied with Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen photographed with 1 cm scale cube

A rare opportunity to acquire a Neosilesites seranonensis ammonite fossil from France, combining natural beauty, scientific significance, and genuine authenticity.