Description
Ptychoceras puzosianum Heteromorph Ammonite Fossil from France
Genuine Upper Barremian Specimen
This listing is for the exact Ptychoceras puzosianum heteromorph ammonite shown in the photographs. It is a genuine natural specimen from Saint-André-les-Alpes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France, dating to the Upper Barremian Feraudianus Zone of the Early Cretaceous. The fossil has been carefully selected and individually photographed, so the pictured specimen is the actual piece you will receive. Please use the sizing photograph for full measurements and inspect every image for its condition, colour, matrix and preserved detail.
Upper Barremian Geology
The Barremian Stage belongs to the Early Cretaceous and spans approximately 129 to 125 million years ago. During this interval southeastern France formed part of a marine basin influenced by the developing Alpine region. Fine sediment accumulated on the sea floor and preserved ammonites and other organisms from a rich Cretaceous marine ecosystem.
Saint-André-les-Alpes is an important locality for Lower Cretaceous fossils. The Feraudianus Zone provides precise biostratigraphic context, representing an interval identified through characteristic ammonite assemblages. This locality and zone information gives the fossil scientific and educational value beyond its visual appeal.
About Ptychoceras puzosianum
Ptychoceras is an extinct genus of heteromorph ammonite. Rather than forming a regular flat spiral, the shell developed elongated shafts connected by curved sections. This distinctive growth pattern gives Ptychoceras fossils a striking form and illustrates the remarkable evolutionary variety of Cretaceous ammonoids.
Ammonites were marine cephalopod molluscs related within the wider group to living squid, cuttlefish and nautiluses. Their shells contained chambers separated by septa, while the living animal occupied the final body chamber. Shell ribs and other ornament added strength and help palaeontologists distinguish different species. The photographs accurately show this specimen’s natural shape, ribbing, mineral tones, remaining matrix and completeness.
Scientific and Collecting Interest
Ammonites evolved rapidly and were widely distributed through ancient seas. Particular taxa allow geologists to correlate rock layers and refine relative ages. Heteromorph ammonites are especially interesting because their unconventional shells provide evidence of specialised development, buoyancy and ecological adaptation.
This Ptychoceras puzosianum is suitable for a specialist heteromorph collection, an Early Cretaceous display, a geology teaching cabinet or a distinctive natural history gift. Its named species, French locality and Feraudianus Zone provenance make it appealing to collectors who value well-documented fossils.
Exact Fossil and Authenticity
You will receive the exact fossil pictured, not a stock example. Fossils are natural geological objects and may retain ancient fractures, matrix, mineral variation, weathering or preparation marks. These features form part of their authentic history. Review all photographs carefully and use the sizing image for dimensions.
A generic Certificate of Authenticity card with a lifetime guarantee is included. The specimen will be packed carefully for safe transit and protection of the condition shown.
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