Rare Berriasella picticeras Ammonite Fossil Cretaceous Berriasian France Genuine Certified Specimen | Authentic Collector Fossil

Description

Authentic Berriasella picticeras Ammonite Fossil from France

This listing features a rare Berriasella picticeras ammonite fossil, dating back to the Berriasian Stage of the Early Cretaceous Period (approximately 145–140 million years ago). It comes from the renowned fossil-bearing locality of Ginestous Garde, France, an area celebrated for its well-preserved ammonite material. Each specimen is individually photographed and the fossil you see is the exact one you will receive. A Certificate of Authenticity is included with every purchase, ensuring the fossil’s provenance and genuineness. A 1 cm scale cube is shown in the images to provide accurate size reference.

Geological Age and Locality

The Berriasian Stage marks the very beginning of the Cretaceous Period, a pivotal time in Earth’s history when marine life thrived across shallow seas. Fossils from this stage are key to understanding the transition between the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous ecosystems. The deposits at Ginestous Garde are highly valued by geologists and palaeontologists, offering a window into ancient marine environments that supported diverse ammonite faunas. These limestones and marls preserved a rich array of cephalopods, and specimens from this site are prized by both collectors and researchers.

Fossil Type and Classification

Ammonites such as Berriasella picticeras are extinct marine molluscs of the order Ammonitida, close relatives of modern squid and octopus. This genus is assigned to the family Neocomitidae within the superfamily Perisphinctoidea. Ammonites are of immense scientific value because their rapid evolutionary rates and widespread distribution make them important index fossils, allowing geologists to precisely date and correlate strata. The presence of Berriasella picticeras in Berriasian deposits has helped define critical ammonite biozones within the Early Cretaceous timescale.

Morphological Features

The shell of Berriasella picticeras is generally moderately involute, with distinct ribbing across its whorls. Its ribs are typically strong and well-spaced, providing both ornamental appeal and diagnostic traits for scientific identification. The whorl section is usually compressed with well-developed ornamentation, making it a striking and instantly recognisable ammonite fossil. These features are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve to distinguish the genus and species from related ammonites of the same interval.

Scientific Importance and Collector Value

The genus Berriasella plays an essential role in the definition of the Berriasian biozones, making fossils of this species significant markers in global stratigraphy. Their presence in the rock record allows geologists to piece together the chronology of the Early Cretaceous seas. Owning a specimen of Berriasella picticeras is not only a chance to hold an exceptional collector’s piece but also a fragment of the scientific framework used to understand geological time. Its rarity and provenance from a classic French locality enhance both its display and research value.

Provenance and Authenticity

• Species: Berriasella picticeras
• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Geological Stage: Berriasian, Early Cretaceous (~145–140 million years ago)
• Location: Ginestous Garde, France
• Family: Neocomitidae
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Notable Features: Distinctive ribbing, compressed whorls, index fossil significance
• Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen, with Certificate of Authenticity
• Photographs: Actual specimen shown, with 1 cm scale cube for size reference

A Carefully Selected Specimen

This ammonite fossil has been chosen for its scientific and collector value, representing a significant species from the dawn of the Cretaceous. With its distinctive ribbing and classic preservation, it is an excellent display fossil and an important addition to any collection. The authenticity of this piece is fully guaranteed, and you will receive the exact specimen shown in the photographs, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This Berriasella picticeras ammonite from Ginestous Garde, France is a rare and scientifically valuable fossil, offering a direct connection to the ancient seas of the Early Cretaceous.