Rare Callihoplites patella Spath Ammonite Fossil Albian Cretaceous Upware Cambridgeshire United Kingdom Certified

Description

Rare Callihoplites patella Ammonite Fossil

This listing presents a rare Callihoplites patella ammonite fossil, identified by Spath, dating from the Albian Stage of the Cretaceous period. It was collected at Upware, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, an important British locality famous for its richly fossiliferous Albian deposits. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing. Every fossil we provide is a 100% genuine specimen and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Context

The Albian Stage (approximately 113–100.5 million years ago) marks the final stage of the Early Cretaceous, a time of high sea levels, warm climates, and widespread shallow seas that covered much of Europe. The Upware region of Cambridgeshire is a particularly well-documented Albian locality, known for its marine sediments deposited in shallow epicontinental seas. Fossils preserved here include ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, echinoids, and other marine organisms, with ammonites such as Callihoplites patella playing a vital role in stratigraphic studies.

Taxonomy and Classification

Callihoplites patella is a member of the genus Callihoplites, within the family Hoplitidae, superfamily Hoplitaceae, and order Ammonitida. The Hoplitidae are among the most distinctive ammonite families of the Albian, with bold ribbing and strongly sculptured shells that make them excellent index fossils. Callihoplites patella is a well-recognised zonal species, significant for defining intervals within the Lower to Middle Albian succession, and was originally described by the eminent British paleontologist Leonard Frank Spath.

Morphological Features

The shell of Callihoplites patella is compact and robust, with strongly ribbed ornamentation that sweeps across the flanks in a rhythmic pattern. The ribs are generally simple and regular, crossing the venter in a continuous manner, giving the fossil an evenly sculptured appearance. The whorls are moderately involute, with later growth covering earlier coils, resulting in a neat, well-formed shell. These distinctive features make C. patella easy to identify and highly valuable both as a scientific reference fossil and as an impressive display piece for collectors.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Ammonites such as Callihoplites patella are crucial for biostratigraphy of the Albian Stage. Their relatively narrow stratigraphic distribution allows geologists to correlate deposits across southern England and beyond, refining the Early Cretaceous geological timescale. For collectors, this species holds special appeal due to its historical significance, its well-documented presence in British paleontology, and its rarity in the fossil market. Fossils from Upware are particularly valued, as this classic locality has long been an important site for the study of Albian stratigraphy and ammonite faunas.

Provenance and Authenticity

This ammonite fossil was collected in Upware, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom, a historically important site for Early Cretaceous paleontology. Every fossil we sell is carefully chosen for its quality, provenance, and authenticity. Each specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring confidence in its identification. Professional packaging and shipping guarantee that your fossil will arrive safely and in excellent condition.

This is a rare Callihoplites patella ammonite fossil from the Albian of Upware, Cambridgeshire. Combining rarity, scientific value, and aesthetic appeal, it is an exceptional addition to any ammonite, Cretaceous fossil, or natural history collection.