Rare Dufrenoyia fursovae Ammonite Fossil Lower Aptian Cretaceous Vaucluse France Genuine

Description

Rare Dufrenoyia fursovae Ammonite Fossil from Vaucluse, France

This outstanding specimen is a rare Dufrenoyia fursovae ammonite fossil, preserved from the Lower Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous period. It was found in the renowned fossil-rich deposits of Vaucluse, France, a location celebrated for producing some of the finest ammonites known to science and collectors. Dating back approximately 125–113 million years, this fossil provides a remarkable glimpse into ancient marine life that thrived in the warm shallow seas of the Cretaceous. The fossil pictured is the actual piece you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube shown for size reference. Every specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Formation

The Aptian stage of the Cretaceous was characterised by extensive shallow marine environments that supported a great diversity of ammonites. These seas deposited fine-grained sediments that later lithified, encasing ammonites in remarkable detail. Fossils from this stage are particularly significant to paleontologists as they are used to define key biozones, helping correlate rock layers across continents.

Vaucluse is a classic fossil locality, yielding beautifully preserved ammonites of scientific and collector importance. The geological setting allows for exceptional preservation of morphological features, making these fossils both scientifically valuable and visually striking.

Species Profile – Dufrenoyia fursovae

Dufrenoyia fursovae is a distinctive ammonite within the Family Parahoplitidae, belonging to the Superfamily Acanthocerataceae and Order Ammonitida. As an index fossil for the Lower Aptian, it plays a crucial role in stratigraphy, enabling precise dating of Aptian-aged strata.

Key morphological traits of Dufrenoyia fursovae include:

• A moderately evolute shell, with whorls that are visible and not deeply overlapping.
• Strong, ornate ribbing across the flanks, often bifurcating as they progress towards the venter.
• A prominent keel that runs along the shell’s ventral surface, contributing to hydrodynamic efficiency.
• Distinctive suture lines, highly complex and diagnostic of the species.

This ammonite was a nektonic predator, moving actively through the Cretaceous seas, preying on smaller marine organisms. Its ribbed and sculpted shell not only enhanced hydrodynamics but also provided structural strength.

Scientific and Collectible Importance

Specimens of Dufrenoyia fursovae are valued in both scientific and collector circles due to their rarity and stratigraphic importance. Paleontologists use the presence of this ammonite to establish Aptian biozones, while private collectors admire its bold ornamentation and historical significance. Owning such a specimen is not only an opportunity to possess a piece of natural history but also to hold an ammonite species critical to the study of Earth’s geological past.

Provenance and Classification

• Species: Dufrenoyia fursovae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Acanthocerataceae
• Family: Parahoplitidae
• Age: Lower Aptian, Early Cretaceous (~125–113 million years ago)
• Locality: Vaucluse, France

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

This genuine Dufrenoyia fursovae ammonite fossil represents a rare and scientifically important addition to any collection. Its strong ribbing, distinctive morphology, and well-documented provenance make it a highly desirable specimen for fossil enthusiasts, educators, and researchers alike. Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, it is a carefully selected and fully genuine example of Lower Cretaceous marine life.