Olcostephanus Ammonite Fossil Valanginian Cretaceous Morocco Genuine Certified Specimen

Description

Authentic Olcostephanus Ammonite Fossil from Morocco

This exceptional specimen is a genuine Olcostephanus ammonite fossil from the Valanginian stage of the Early Cretaceous, discovered near Agadir, Morocco. Dating back approximately 139 to 133 million years, this ammonite is a remarkable piece of natural history that beautifully captures the evolutionary story of marine life in the ancient seas. Each fossil we supply is carefully chosen, with the one pictured being the exact specimen you will receive. A Certificate of Authenticity is included with every purchase, guaranteeing both its scientific and collectible value.

Geological Age and Formation

The Valanginian stage represents one of the earliest divisions of the Cretaceous period, following the Jurassic. During this time, global sea levels were high, and Morocco lay beneath shallow epicontinental seas teeming with ammonites, marine reptiles, and other marine fauna. These rich environments deposited sediments of limestone and marl, which over millions of years fossilised marine organisms into the fine examples we find today. Ammonites like Olcostephanus are considered key index fossils, meaning they play an essential role in dating rock layers and establishing the stratigraphic framework of the Cretaceous.

Scientific Classification

• Class: Cephalopoda
• Subclass: Ammonoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Family: Olcostephanidae
• Genus: Olcostephanus

The genus Olcostephanus is a defining taxon for the Early Cretaceous and is widely used in palaeontological studies to establish biozones within the Valanginian. Its presence across North Africa, Europe, and South America highlights its wide geographical range and evolutionary success during this period.

Morphological Features

Olcostephanus ammonites are characterised by their moderately evolute shells with well-exposed inner whorls. The ribs are often strong and straight, crossing the flanks of the shell and occasionally bifurcating towards the outer whorl. These rib patterns not only give the fossil its striking appearance but also reflect its adaptation to life in open marine waters. The whorl section is typically compressed, and the sutural lines are intricate, revealing the complex evolutionary refinements of this family of ammonites. This specimen displays these hallmark traits with clarity, making it a particularly fine collector’s piece.

Palaeoenvironment and Ecology

During the Early Cretaceous, Morocco was submerged beneath warm shallow seas, ideal habitats for ammonites like Olcostephanus. These animals were nektonic predators, capable of swimming through the water column using jet propulsion. Their diet likely consisted of small crustaceans, plankton, and juvenile molluscs. The abundance of ammonites in the Valanginian seas indicates both their ecological dominance and their importance in the food chain as prey for larger marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and pliosaurs.

Collector and Display Value

This Olcostephanus ammonite fossil from Agadir, Morocco is not just a striking geological specimen but also a scientific treasure. Its age, distinct ribbing, and well-preserved morphology make it highly sought after by collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history. Fossils from the Valanginian are particularly desirable because they mark the beginning of the Cretaceous, a time of immense evolutionary change.

Every fossil we offer is guaranteed to be a 100% genuine specimen and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The included scale cube (1 cm per square) provides clear sizing in the photographs, ensuring complete transparency about the fossil’s dimensions. This carefully selected specimen would make a stunning addition to any collection or an educational resource showcasing the beauty and history of Early Cretaceous marine life.