RARE 7″ Acanthodiscus radiatus Fossil Ammonite – Lower Hauterivian, Cretaceous – Esparron-de-Verdon, France – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

Presented here is a rare and large fossil ammonite of the species Acanthodiscus radiatus from the Lower Hauterivian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, dating to approximately 132 to 129 million years ago. This exceptional 7-inch specimen was collected in Esparron-de-Verdon, southeastern France, and comes from the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection, known for its meticulously sourced and preserved fossil material.

Acanthodiscus radiatus is a diagnostic ammonite species from the family Berriasellidae. Its shell is characterised by strong radial ribbing, prominent keels, and a wide, involute coiling. These ammonites were nektonic marine cephalopods, capable swimmers that thrived in the warm, shallow seas of the Early Cretaceous. Their complex shell structures made them ideal for identifying precise stratigraphic zones.

This specimen displays exceptional ribbing and overall symmetry, making it not only a scientifically relevant fossil but a visually striking display piece.

Geological Context: The Hauterivian Stage of the Early Cretaceous is noted for its diverse marine life and rapid ammonite evolution, which makes fossils like Acanthodiscus radiatus crucial for biostratigraphic zoning. The Esparron-de-Verdon area in the Provence region of France is renowned for its richly fossiliferous limestone and marl deposits, which yield exceptionally preserved ammonites and other marine fossils.

Key Details:

• Species: Acanthodiscus radiatus (Ammonite)
• Fossil Type: Extinct marine cephalopod
• Age: Lower Hauterivian, Early Cretaceous (~132–129 million years ago)
• Location Found: Esparron-de-Verdon, France
• Provenance: From the Alice Purnell Collection
• Size: Approx. 7 inches – see 1cm cube in photo for scale
• Condition: Excellent preservation with strong ribbing and coiling
• Authenticity: Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity – 100% genuine specimen
• Photo: The exact specimen shown is the one you will receive

Scientific & Collector Value: As a key zonal species, Acanthodiscus radiatus is of major interest to geologists and palaeontologists. Its presence in stratigraphic records is used to define the base of the Hauterivian stage. With its striking form and solid provenance from the Alice Purnell Collection, this ammonite is ideal for both collectors and researchers alike.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

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Add a centrepiece to your collection with this RARE 7″ Acanthodiscus radiatus fossil ammonite from the Lower Hauterivian of Esparron-de-Verdon, France.