Description
A RARE Crioceratites nolani fossil—an exceptional example of a heteromorph ammonite from the Upper Hauterivian Stage of the Lower Cretaceous, originating from the well-documented fossil-bearing strata of Drôme, France.
This genus, known for its open-coiled and ornamental shell structure, offers a remarkable insight into ammonite diversity and adaptation during the Early Cretaceous. The spiral architecture and preserved ornamentation of this specimen make it a highly desirable addition for collectors, educators, and palaeontology enthusiasts alike.
Specimen Information:
- Species: Crioceratites nolani
- Geological Formation: Drôme localities (likely part of the Vocontian Basin sequences)
- Geological Age: Cretaceous – Upper Hauterivian Stage (~131 to 129 million years ago)
- Stratigraphic Zone: Possibly associated with the Crioceratites nolani or Balearites balearis ammonite zones (regionally known biozones in Drôme)
- Location: Drôme, southeastern France
- Depositional Environment: Open marine, moderately deep shelf setting with rich nektonic fauna
- Discovery & Preparation: Carefully chosen fossil, with actual specimen pictured
- Scale: Each square or cube in scale = 1cm (see photos for precise sizing)
- Authenticity: Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Notable Features: Rare coiling structure, defined ribbing and potential tubercles
Scientific Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Ancyloceratoidea
- Family: Crioceratitidae
- Genus: Crioceratites
- Species: C. nolani
- Identified by: Described and named by A. Thomel (1964), as part of detailed studies on French Lower Cretaceous ammonite faunas
Morphology & Notable Features:
- Heteromorph structure: Uncoiled, open-planispiral shell — unlike typical tightly coiled ammonites
- Pronounced ornamentation: Strong ribbing with occasional nodes or tubercles
- Functional adaptation: Likely had a unique mode of swimming or floating in the water column due to irregular shape
- Visual impact: The aesthetic spiral geometry makes this a visually striking fossil for any display
Palaeoenvironmental Context:
This ammonite thrived in the Vocontian Basin, a Cretaceous marine basin in what is now southeastern France. The basin accumulated fine-grained sediments that provided excellent fossil preservation. This region is globally recognised for yielding key biostratigraphic ammonite assemblages used in dating the Early Cretaceous.
The Hauterivian Stage marks a time of diversification in ammonites following the Valanginian-Hauterivian boundary extinction event. Heteromorphs like Crioceratites emerged and rapidly diversified in marine environments with complex ecologies.
Why Add This Specimen to Your Collection?
- Rare and visually unique heteromorph ammonite
- Scientifically important: C. nolani is a recognised biostratigraphic marker in parts of Europe
- From a classic Cretaceous fossil site in France
- Perfect for advanced collectors, students, or academic display
- Comes with Certificate of Authenticity
- Photographed specimen is the exact one you’ll receive
Summary:
- Genuine Crioceratites nolani fossil
- From the Upper Hauterivian, Lower Cretaceous of Drôme, France
- Rare heteromorph ammonite with open-coiled structure
- Exceptional preservation and scientific significance
- Professionally prepped and documented
- Includes Certificate of Authenticity
- Scale rule or cube = 1cm – see listing photo for full dimensions
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