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

Description

Rare Dufrenoyia fursovae Ammonite Fossil from Vaucluse, France

This listing presents a rare Dufrenoyia fursovae ammonite fossil originating from the Lower Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous, discovered in the world-renowned fossil-bearing strata of Vaucluse, France. Dating back around 125–113 million years, this ammonite is an exceptional specimen that provides a direct link to ancient marine ecosystems. The photographs provided display the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate size reference. Every fossil comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring it is a 100% genuine specimen.

Geological Age and Environment

The Aptian stage is part of the Early Cretaceous period, a time when high global sea levels and warm climates created vast shallow seas across Europe. These marine environments nurtured diverse ammonite populations, along with other marine reptiles, fish, and invertebrates. Fossils from Vaucluse are particularly significant due to their exceptional preservation, which allows paleontologists and collectors to study and appreciate fine structural details.

Depositional environments in this region consisted of soft marine sediments where ammonites were buried shortly after death. Over millions of years, mineralisation processes preserved the delicate details of the shell, leaving us with beautiful and scientifically valuable fossils like this specimen of Dufrenoyia fursovae.

Taxonomy and Classification

The Dufrenoyia fursovae is classified as follows:

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

Ammonites of this genus are key index fossils used by geologists to correlate and date Aptian rock layers, making them crucial for stratigraphic studies.

Morphological Features

Dufrenoyia fursovae is notable for its strong ribbing, which often bifurcates across the flanks, and for its pronounced keel that runs along the ventral margin. The shell shows moderately evolute coiling, allowing inner whorls to remain visible. These adaptations contributed to a streamlined, hydrodynamic shell shape, likely aiding in swimming and buoyancy control in open marine environments.

The suture patterns, where internal walls met the shell, are intricate and highly diagnostic. These features, combined with the ribbing and keel, make Dufrenoyia fursovae an easily recognisable and scientifically important ammonite.

Scientific Importance

As an important index fossil of the Lower Aptian stage, Dufrenoyia fursovae plays a vital role in dating marine sediments across Europe and beyond. Its restricted stratigraphic range provides geologists with precise tools for correlating deposits. Beyond its value in scientific research, it is also highly prized by collectors for its rarity and striking preservation.

Collectible and Display Value

This rare fossil ammonite from Vaucluse is a superb piece for both serious fossil collectors and enthusiasts of natural history. It represents a tangible connection to the Early Cretaceous seas, a time when ammonites flourished as dominant marine organisms. Its rarity, combined with its visual appeal and guaranteed authenticity, makes it an ideal specimen for display, study, or gifting to anyone passionate about Earth’s prehistoric past.

With its fine preservation, geological significance, and historical value, this Dufrenoyia fursovae ammonite fossil is an extraordinary addition to any fossil collection.