Description
A spectacular and RARE Crioceratites ammonite fossil featuring exceptional preservation of the classic heteromorph coiling and distinctive spine ornamentation. This fossil originates from the Hauterivian Stage of the Lower Cretaceous, uncovered in Provence, southern France—a region renowned for its marine fossil richness and biostratigraphic importance.
Specimen Information:
- Genus: Crioceratites
- Geological Formation: Likely Vocontian Basin facies, Provence sector
- Geological Age: Early Cretaceous – Hauterivian Stage (~132–129 million years ago)
- Location: Provence, France
- Depositional Environment: Outer marine shelf to basin setting; fine sediments allowing high-quality preservation
- Stratigraphic/Biozone: Potentially associated with Balearites balearis or Crioceratites ammonite zones
- Discovery & Preparation: Specimen discovered and carefully prepped for display—the photo shows the exact piece you will receive
- Scale: Reference cube/squares = 1cm (see photo for accurate size)
- Authenticity: Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
Scientific Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Ancyloceratoidea
- Family: Crioceratitidae
- Genus: Crioceratites
- Identification Authority: The genus Crioceratites was first formally described by Leveillé in 1837 and later refined by subsequent taxonomic works focused on Lower Cretaceous ammonite faunas of France.
Morphology & Notable Features:
- Heteromorph Coiling: Uncoiled, open-planispiral shape; diverging from the classic tight spiral form of many ammonites
- Surface Ornamentation: Bold ribbing and distinct spines or tubercles, often thought to be used for buoyancy control, camouflage, or defence
- Spines Visible: In this specimen, the spine structures are clearly preserved—an uncommon and desirable feature
- Functional Implications: Morphology suggests it had a less agile, possibly planktonic lifestyle, floating or drifting in the upper water column
Palaeoenvironmental and Geological Context:
The Provence region was part of the Vocontian Basin, a major marine depositional area during the Early Cretaceous. Rich in ammonite-bearing marl and limestone layers, it served as a key reference region for Hauterivian ammonite stratigraphy. The basin’s calm, open marine conditions provided an ideal setting for the preservation of fragile heteromorph forms like Crioceratites.
Ammonites from this group are crucial to biozonation studies, with Crioceratites species often used to identify specific horizons within the Hauterivian stage. Their unusual shell shape and adaptation also make them a focal point for studies in ammonite evolution and palaeoecology.
Why This Specimen is Special:
- Rare spined heteromorph ammonite
- Originates from a biostratigraphically significant Hauterivian layer in France
- From a classic marine fossil location in Provence
- Combines aesthetic beauty and scientific value
- Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
- The actual specimen in the photo is the one you will receive
Summary:
- Authentic Crioceratites heteromorph ammonite
- With preserved spines and ribbing
- From the Hauterivian, Early Cretaceous of Provence, France
- Geological importance for biozonal studies
- Exceptional preservation
- Professionally cleaned and ready for collection or display
- Scale cube/squares = 1cm (see photo for dimensions)
- Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
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