Rare 7″ Mammites wingi Fossil Ammonite Lower Turonian Cretaceous Seaton Devon UK – Genuine Collector Specimen with COA

Description

Rare Mammites wingi Fossil Ammonite from Seaton, Devon

This 7-inch Mammites wingi fossil ammonite is a rare and scientifically significant specimen from the Lower Turonian stage of the Late Cretaceous Period. Collected from the fossil-rich coastal deposits near Seaton, Devon, United Kingdom, it offers an exceptional opportunity to own a well-preserved example of an ammonite species that thrived in warm, shallow seas approximately 93–89 million years ago. The specimen pictured is the exact one you will receive, chosen for its outstanding preservation, visual appeal, and historical importance.

Geological Age and Origin

The Lower Turonian stage marks an interval in the Late Cretaceous characterised by high sea levels and globally warm climates. The seas that covered the Devon region during this time were part of a broad epicontinental seaway teeming with marine life. Ammonites such as Mammites wingi were widespread during this stage, and their presence provides valuable data for paleontologists in identifying and correlating Turonian-age deposits.

Seaton’s coastal exposures are well-known among collectors and researchers for yielding high-quality marine fossils, preserved in fine-grained sediments that capture intricate shell details. These sediments were deposited in a stable, low-energy marine environment, allowing delicate structures to survive the fossilisation process.

Scientific Classification

• Species: Mammites wingi
• Family: Acanthoceratidae
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Geological Stage: Lower Turonian, Late Cretaceous

This ammonite is an important zonal fossil, aiding geologists in correlating Lower Turonian strata across different regions.

Morphological Features

The specimen displays the defining characteristics of Mammites wingi, including:

• Robust, compressed whorls with strong, tuberculate ribs.
• Pronounced tubercles located along the flanks, a key identification trait for this genus.
• Regular ribbing that extends from the umbilicus across the flanks and into the ventral region.
• Evidence of the complex suture lines that are typical of Acanthoceratidae, demonstrating the intricate internal chamber structure.

These features are not only scientifically valuable but also enhance the aesthetic appeal, making it a striking display piece.

Paleoenvironment and Lifestyle

During the Lower Turonian, Mammites wingi inhabited open marine environments, swimming freely as an active predator. Ammonites were nektonic cephalopods, related to modern squids and cuttlefish, and are thought to have hunted small crustaceans, molluscs, and planktonic organisms. The warm, nutrient-rich seas around what is now Devon supported a diverse food web, from microscopic plankton to large marine reptiles.

After death, the shells of ammonites often settled gently to the seafloor, where they were quickly buried by fine sediment. This rapid burial in low-oxygen conditions was key to their exceptional preservation, allowing fine details such as ribbing and tuberculation to remain intact for millions of years.

Collector Value and Display

A 7-inch Mammites wingi from Seaton is a highly desirable specimen for both private collectors and educational collections. Its size, excellent preservation, and clear diagnostic features make it a standout fossil that highlights the diversity and evolutionary adaptations of Late Cretaceous ammonites.

Authenticity and Certification

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This Mammites wingi has been selected for its quality and scientific relevance, making it a valuable addition to any fossil collection.