Paravasoceras chevalieri Ammonite Fossil Lower Turonian Cretaceous Charente France with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

This listing is for a striking Paravasoceras chevalieri ammonite fossil, dating from the Lower Turonian stage of the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 93–91 million years ago. Found in the famous fossil-rich deposits of Charente, France, this specimen represents an excellent example of a classic Cretaceous ammonite, combining strong scientific value with outstanding visual appeal.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact ammonite you will receive, and a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares are included for accurate sizing reference. Please see the images for precise measurements.

Geological Context and Age

This ammonite fossil originates from the Lower Turonian stage within the Cretaceous Period, a time of exceptionally high global sea levels and widespread marine habitats across Europe. The Charente region of western France was submerged beneath shallow tropical seas, providing the perfect environment for ammonites, marine reptiles, fish, and invertebrates to thrive.

The sediments of Charente are particularly well known for preserving ammonites in detail, making them an important source for both collectors and palaeontologists. Ammonites such as Paravasoceras chevalieri are crucial in biostratigraphy, serving as index fossils that allow geologists to correlate and date marine strata across wide geographic areas.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

Paravasoceras chevalieri belongs to the family Acanthoceratidae, within the superfamily Acanthoceratoidea of the order Ammonitida. Members of this family are characterised by their robust, often ornamented shells with distinct ribbing and tubercles.

This specimen exhibits the involute coiling typical of the genus, where the outer whorls cover much of the earlier ones. Strong ribs cross the flanks of the shell, enhancing its structural integrity and adding to its striking appearance. The shell morphology suggests that Paravasoceras was an active nektonic predator, swimming in open marine waters and feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates.

The combination of ribbing and coiling patterns makes this ammonite both visually appealing and scientifically diagnostic, providing clear evidence of its place within the Turonian ammonite succession.

Scientific Importance

Ammonites like Paravasoceras chevalieri are highly valuable for palaeontological research. Their rapid evolutionary turnover during the Cretaceous makes them excellent index fossils, allowing researchers to divide the Turonian stage into smaller biozones. This precision helps geologists reconstruct ancient marine environments and refine the global geological timescale.

The Charente region is especially important because of its abundance of well-preserved ammonites, which contribute significantly to our knowledge of Turonian ammonite faunas in Europe. Fossils like this provide a rare opportunity to study the evolutionary history, palaeoecology, and biodiversity of ancient marine ecosystems.

Collector and Display Value

This Paravasoceras chevalieri ammonite fossil from Charente, France, is an outstanding piece for collectors and enthusiasts of natural history. Its strong ribbing, excellent preservation, and provenance from one of Europe’s most celebrated fossil localities make it a desirable and scientifically valuable specimen.

For display, the fossil’s elegant coiling and distinctive ornamentation stand out as a natural work of art formed over 90 million years ago. For collectors, it offers the chance to own a rare ammonite that represents an important evolutionary stage within the Cretaceous seas.

Your Guarantee of Authenticity

• 100% genuine Paravasoceras chevalieri ammonite fossil from Charente, France
• Geological age: Lower Turonian, Late Cretaceous (approx. 93–91 million years old)
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in photographs (no stock images used)
• Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm (see photos for accurate sizing)

This Paravasoceras chevalieri ammonite fossil is a superb specimen from the Lower Turonian of France. With its combination of scientific importance, visual elegance, and guaranteed authenticity, it is an exceptional addition to any fossil collection.