Rare Dalmasiceras punctatum Ammonite Fossil Berriasian Cretaceous Lacisterne Boisset France

Description

Rare Dalmasiceras punctatum Ammonite Fossil – Berriasian Stage, Cretaceous

This rare Dalmasiceras punctatum ammonite fossil originates from the Lacisterne Boisset area, Gard, France, and dates to the Berriasian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, approximately 145–139 million years ago. It is a highly desirable collector’s specimen, offering insight into the evolutionary transition between Jurassic and Cretaceous ammonite faunas. The specimen has been carefully chosen for quality and authenticity, and the photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube for size reference. Every fossil comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its genuine provenance.

Geological Context

• Geological Period: Cretaceous
• Stage: Berriasian (Early Cretaceous)
• Age: ~145–139 million years old
• Provenance: Lacisterne Boisset, Gard, France

The Berriasian marks the earliest stage of the Cretaceous, directly following the Tithonian of the Late Jurassic. This period is crucial in paleontology as it represents a time of evolutionary renewal after the Jurassic extinction intervals. Ammonites such as Dalmasiceras punctatum are particularly valuable because they help define and correlate Berriasian biozones across Europe.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Family: Neocomitidae
• Genus: Dalmasiceras
• Species: Dalmasiceras punctatum

This genus is recognised as an index fossil for the Berriasian, enabling geologists to precisely identify and date sediments from the very beginning of the Cretaceous system.

Morphological Features

The morphology of Dalmasiceras punctatum includes:

• Strong ribbing across the flanks, with ribs often branching from umbilical tubercles.
• A moderately compressed whorl section, with ornamentation well-preserved in many specimens.
• Ribs that may show secondary branching, providing a characteristic pattern for easy recognition.
• Sutural details typical of neocomitid ammonites, highlighting evolutionary adaptations following the Jurassic period.

These distinctive features make this ammonite a striking fossil and an excellent teaching or display specimen.

Paleoenvironment and Significance

During the Berriasian, southern France was covered by shallow seas connected to the Tethys Ocean. These warm, nutrient-rich environments supported diverse marine life, with ammonites playing a central role as active predators and prey within the ecosystem. Dalmasiceras punctatum lived as a nektonic cephalopod, swimming freely and hunting smaller marine organisms.

Its wide distribution and distinctive morphology make this species one of the primary zonal fossils for the Berriasian Stage, contributing to the global stratigraphic framework used by geologists and paleontologists today. The Gard region in France is especially famous for yielding fine ammonite specimens that have become reference points in stratigraphic studies.

Key Details

• Species: Dalmasiceras punctatum
• Age: Early Cretaceous, Berriasian Stage (~145–139 million years)
• Location: Lacisterne Boisset, Gard, France
• Authenticity: Guaranteed genuine with Certificate of Authenticity
• Scale Reference: 1cm cube shown in photographs for accurate sizing

Collectability and Display Value

This rare Berriasian ammonite fossil is an outstanding addition to any collection, whether for academic study, teaching, or private display. With its sharp ribbing and historical significance as an index fossil, Dalmasiceras punctatum represents a key species from the earliest part of the Cretaceous. Its rarity, scientific importance, and aesthetic appeal make it both an educational specimen and a timeless display piece.

Owning this fossil means holding a genuine fragment of Earth’s deep history, preserving the story of ancient seas that existed over 140 million years ago.