Rare Dufrenoyia furcata Ammonite Fossil Lower Aptian Cretaceous Vaucluse France Genuine Specimen

Description

Rare Dufrenoyia furcata Ammonite Fossil from Vaucluse, France

This listing offers a rare Dufrenoyia furcata ammonite fossil from the Lower Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, found in the fossil-rich deposits of Vaucluse, France. This specimen dates back approximately 125–113 million years, providing a direct link to the rich marine ecosystems of the Early Cretaceous seas. The fossil has been carefully selected for its quality, authenticity, and preservation. The accompanying photographs show the exact piece you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing. Every specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing that it is a genuine fossil.

Geological Age and Environment

The Lower Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous was characterised by high global sea levels and extensive shallow marine environments that spread across much of Europe. These warm seas fostered an abundance of marine life, with ammonites among the most diverse and successful. The deposits of Vaucluse are particularly famous for their well-preserved ammonites, which are essential in both biostratigraphy and paleontological research.

Sedimentary layers from this region formed under marine conditions that allowed fine detail to be preserved in fossils. The ammonites were buried in soft sediment on the sea floor, later undergoing mineralisation that captured the intricate details of their shell structure.

Taxonomy and Classification

The Dufrenoyia furcata belongs to:

• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Acanthocerataceae
• Family: Parahoplitidae
• Genus: Dufrenoyia
• Species: furcata

This ammonite is an important index fossil for the Aptian stage, helping paleontologists to precisely date rock formations.

Morphological Features

Dufrenoyia furcata is particularly recognised for its distinctive ribbing pattern. The ribs often bifurcate (split into two) across the shell’s flanks and meet at a strong keel running along the ventral margin. The coiling is moderately evolute, meaning the inner whorls remain partially visible. These features gave the ammonite a hydrodynamic shape, aiding in buoyancy control and efficient swimming in open marine waters.

The complex suture lines—where the shell wall met internal partitions—are another striking feature of this species. These patterns are diagnostic for ammonite identification and remain of great interest to collectors and researchers alike.

Scientific Importance

As an index fossil, Dufrenoyia furcata plays a crucial role in identifying and correlating Lower Aptian strata across Europe. Its restricted stratigraphic range makes it especially valuable for precise geological dating. Beyond its scientific utility, this ammonite is admired for its aesthetic qualities, with ribbing and keels that create a visually striking specimen.

Collectible Value

This rare ammonite fossil from Vaucluse is highly desirable for fossil collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history. Its rarity, preservation, and geological importance make it a sought-after addition to any serious collection. Each specimen is unique, offering both scientific significance and natural beauty.

Owning a Dufrenoyia furcata ammonite provides a tangible connection to the Early Cretaceous seas, a time when ammonites thrived as dominant marine predators. With guaranteed authenticity and clear provenance, this fossil represents an exceptional opportunity to own a genuine piece of natural history.