Rare Crioceratites loryi Heteromorph Fossil Ammonite Hauterivian Cretaceous Drome France Authentic Collectors Specimen with COA

Description

This listing is for a rare fossil ammonite, Crioceratites loryi, a heteromorph ammonite from the Hauterivian stage of the Early Cretaceous (approximately 132–129 million years ago). This striking specimen comes from Drôme, France, a region well known for its fossil-rich Cretaceous deposits. Unlike the typical tightly coiled ammonites, heteromorphs such as Crioceratites loryi evolved with open, loosely coiled shells, making them especially rare and desirable to collectors. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive. Scale rule squares / cube = 1 cm – please check the images for accurate sizing. All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context: Hauterivian Stage of the Early Cretaceous

The Hauterivian is part of the Early Cretaceous and represents a key interval in ammonite evolution. During this time, much of southern France lay beneath shallow seas associated with the northern margin of the Tethys Ocean. Fine marls, clays, and limestones were deposited, providing excellent conditions for fossil preservation.

The ammonites of the Hauterivian are of particular scientific importance as they act as index fossils, enabling paleontologists to correlate marine rocks across Europe and beyond. Crioceratites loryi is one such diagnostic form, making it not only a collector’s specimen but also an important piece of stratigraphic history.

The Species: Crioceratites loryi

Crioceratites loryi belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Ancylocerataceae, and family Ancyloceratidae. As a heteromorph ammonite, its morphology deviates from the more typical planispiral coil. Instead, it exhibits a crioconic shell, characterised by loosely coiled whorls that do not touch, giving it an open and irregular appearance.

The shell is ornamented with strong ribbing, a feature that reinforced its structure and provides a bold aesthetic appeal. This ribbing often continues uninterrupted across the flanks, producing a highly recognisable pattern that makes the species distinct. The unusual shell form of C. loryi may have influenced its mode of life, with many heteromorph ammonites thought to have been slower swimmers or even semi-drifting forms within the water column.

Morphological and Scientific Features

• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Ancylocerataceae
• Family: Ancyloceratidae
• Genus and Species: Crioceratites loryi
• Geological Stage: Hauterivian, Early Cretaceous (c. 132–129 Ma)
• Locality: Drôme, France
• Shell Traits: Loosely coiled crioconic form, strong ribbing, open uncoiled morphology
• Scientific Importance: Index fossil for Hauterivian biozones, important in evolutionary studies of heteromorph ammonites

The unusual coiling and ornamentation of Crioceratites loryi mark it as a significant ammonite for both scientific research and collectors, as it illustrates the diversification of shell morphologies during the Early Cretaceous.

Collector and Display Value

This rare heteromorph ammonite, Crioceratites loryi, is highly sought after due to its distinctive form and limited availability. Heteromorph ammonites are much less common than their tightly coiled relatives, making specimens like this valuable to both private and institutional collections.

Its provenance from Drôme, France, adds further prestige, as the region is internationally recognised for its Hauterivian fossil record. With its striking ribbing and rare crioconic structure, this specimen is both scientifically important and visually impressive, making it an excellent centrepiece for any fossil collection or natural history display.

All of our fossils are carefully selected, prepared with care, and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This Crioceratites loryi ammonite offers a rare opportunity to own a genuine and distinctive heteromorph ammonite from the Early Cretaceous seas of France.