Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum Ammonite Fossil Rare Lower Albian Cretaceous France

Description

ChatGPT said:

 

Selling Title

Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum Ammonite Fossil Rare Lower Albian Cretaceous France

Rare Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum Ammonite Fossil Lower Albian Stage Cretaceous France Authentic Specimen with COA

Long Description

Rare Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum Ammonite Fossil from France

This listing is for a rare and scientifically significant Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum ammonite fossil from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous period (approximately 113–107 million years ago). Discovered in France, this specimen represents a fine example of the distinctive ammonites that thrived in Europe during the Early Cretaceous seas. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for sizing reference. As with all of our specimens, it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it is a genuine fossil and not a replica.

Geological Context – Lower Albian, Cretaceous of France

The Albian stage is a crucial division of the Early Cretaceous, spanning roughly 113–100 million years ago. This specimen originates from the Lower Albian, a time when shallow marine environments extended across large portions of France. These warm, epicontinental seas formed part of the vast Tethyan Ocean system, depositing marls, clays, and limestones that became rich repositories of marine life.

The Lower Albian strata of France are internationally renowned for their diverse ammonite faunas, which serve as key index fossils for correlating stratigraphic sequences across Europe and beyond. Ammonites such as Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum are important biostratigraphic markers used by paleontologists to refine the subdivision of the Albian into zones and subzones.

Scientific Classification

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum
• Geological Stage: Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous (c. 113–107 million years ago)
• Locality: France
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Family: Lyelliceratidae

Morphological Features

This specimen of Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum displays the characteristic features of the genus and species, making it both scientifically valuable and visually striking:

• Shell Form: Moderately involute, with whorls that exhibit a rounded to slightly compressed profile.
• Ornamentation: Prominent ribbing across the flanks, with ribs curving forwards (prorsocurvate) toward the venter – a diagnostic trait of this species.
• Suture Pattern: Complex and crenulated sutures, typical of Cretaceous ammonites, visible where preservation allows.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Natural mineralisation and patina accentuate the ribbing and surface details, highlighting its age and authenticity.

These distinctive features make Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum a highly sought-after ammonite for both scientific study and private collections.

Paleontological Importance

Ammonites of the family Lyelliceratidae are important for understanding evolutionary transitions within the Acanthoceratoidea during the Cretaceous. Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum is especially valuable in stratigraphic studies due to its distinctive morphology and relatively short stratigraphic range, making it an excellent biozone marker within the Lower Albian.

As free-swimming marine cephalopods related to squid and cuttlefish, ammonites played a crucial role in Cretaceous marine ecosystems. Their widespread distribution and rapid evolution allow paleontologists to reconstruct ancient ocean currents, paleoenvironments, and evolutionary dynamics.

Depositional Environment – Ancient Marine Ecosystems of France

During the Lower Albian, much of France was covered by warm, shallow seas, rich in marine invertebrates. Ammonites thrived in these environments, along with belemnites, gastropods, echinoids, and bivalves. Sediments deposited during this time were predominantly fine-grained marls and limestones, which provided ideal conditions for fossil preservation.

This depositional setting preserved ammonites in remarkable detail, allowing features such as ribbing, sutures, and growth patterns to remain visible millions of years later.

Collector and Display Value

This Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum ammonite fossil is not only scientifically significant but also visually striking, with clear morphological details that make it an attractive specimen for display. Fossils from the Lower Albian of France are highly prized by collectors due to their rarity, well-preserved features, and role in understanding Early Cretaceous ammonite evolution.

As with all of our fossils, this piece has been carefully chosen for authenticity and quality. It is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity and is the exact specimen shown in the photographs. Its geological and historical importance, combined with its aesthetic beauty, make it an exceptional addition to any fossil collection or educational display.

Key Details

• Fossil: Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum Ammonite
• Age: Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous (c. 113–107 million years old)
• Locality: France
• Classification: Order Ammonitida – Superfamily Acanthoceratoidea – Family Lyelliceratidae
• Supplied with Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in photographs with 1 cm scale cube

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Prolyelliceras prorsocurvatum ammonite fossil from the Lower Albian of France – a scientifically important and highly collectible specimen.