Paraturrilites costatus Heteromorph Fossil Ammonite Lower Cenomanian Cretaceous Pavilly France with COA

Description

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Paraturrilites costatus Heteromorph Fossil Ammonite Lower Cenomanian Cretaceous Pavilly France with COA

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Paraturrilites costatus Heteromorph Ammonite from Pavilly, France

This listing is for a Paraturrilites costatus heteromorph fossil ammonite, collected from Pavilly, France, within deposits of the Lower Cenomanian Stage of the Late Cretaceous Period. At approximately 100–94 million years old, this ammonite represents one of the most striking heteromorph forms, whose unusual turret-like shell coiling sets it apart from the familiar spiral ammonites. Its strong ribbing and sculptural detail make it a fossil of great scientific and collector importance.

Every specimen is a 100% genuine fossil and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the actual fossil you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube and rule squares included for exact measurement reference.

Geological Age and Provenance

The Lower Cenomanian marks the beginning of the Late Cretaceous, a period characterised by exceptionally high sea levels that flooded large areas of Europe. These warm shallow seas created diverse marine habitats that allowed ammonites to flourish.

The Pavilly region in northern France is a classic locality for Cenomanian ammonites, yielding specimens that have played an important role in palaeontological studies for more than a century. Fossils from this locality are considered reference material for Cenomanian ammonite biozones, adding both scientific and historical significance to this specimen.

Fossil Type and Scientific Classification

• Genus: Paraturrilites
• Species: Paraturrilites costatus
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Turrilitoidea
• Family: Turrilitidae

Paraturrilites costatus is a well-recognised ammonite species and an important index fossil for the Cenomanian Stage. Its characteristic ribbed ornamentation, or “costate” features, give the species its name and make it particularly easy to identify.

Morphological Features

The morphology of Paraturrilites costatus is highly distinctive, with features that illustrate the evolutionary variety of heteromorph ammonites:

• Helicoidal Coiling: The shell grows in a vertical, turret-like spiral rather than a flat coil.
• Strong Ribbing: Prominent ribs encircle the whorls, creating a bold and sculptural appearance.
• Tubercles: Small nodes often develop along the ribs, adding diagnostic texture.
• Keel Development: A keel runs along the venter, providing structure and reinforcing the shell.

These features make Paraturrilites costatus instantly recognisable, and its ribbed, tower-like form is especially eye-catching in display.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Paraturrilites costatus is used extensively in biostratigraphy, as it defines important ammonite zones within the Lower Cenomanian. Its wide distribution across Europe makes it a key fossil for correlating chalk and limestone deposits from this time.

For collectors, Paraturrilites fossils are far rarer than planispiral ammonites. Their unusual form and bold ornamentation make them prized specimens that highlight the diversity of ammonite evolution. Pavilly examples are especially valued due to the locality’s historical role in Cretaceous palaeontology.

Display and Educational Value

This fossil has been carefully selected for its preservation and the clarity of its ribbing, making it both an excellent display piece and an important scientific specimen. Its vertical, turret-like shell form stands out dramatically in a collection and offers a fascinating contrast to the more familiar spiral ammonites.

Whether displayed in a private collection, featured in an educational setting, or preserved in a museum exhibit, this Paraturrilites costatus ammonite from Pavilly, France is a rare and valuable specimen. It provides a direct link to the shallow seas of the Cenomanian and exemplifies the extraordinary evolutionary experiments of heteromorph ammonites during the Cretaceous.