Rare Dufrenoyia mackesoni Ammonite Fossil Lower Aptian Cretaceous Vaucluse France Genuine

Description

Rare Dufrenoyia mackesoni Ammonite Fossil from Vaucluse, France

This listing features a rare and scientifically important Dufrenoyia mackesoni ammonite fossil from the Lower Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous, discovered in the Vaucluse region of southeastern France. At approximately 125–113 million years old, this fossil represents an extraordinary relic from a time when ammonites thrived in warm, shallow seas. The specimen displayed in the photos is the exact fossil you will receive, with the scale shown using a 1 cm cube for accurate sizing. As with all of our offerings, this fossil is guaranteed authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Background – Lower Aptian Cretaceous

The Aptian stage was a crucial interval in the Early Cretaceous, marked by significant diversification in ammonites, marine reptiles, and other marine organisms. The Vaucluse region of France is internationally recognised for its exceptional Lower Cretaceous fossil deposits, formed under warm marine conditions where sedimentation preserved marine fauna in exquisite detail.

The Lower Aptian was characterised by fluctuating sea levels, shallow continental shelf environments, and abundant marine life. These depositional conditions created ideal circumstances for the fossilisation of ammonites, which are now used as biostratigraphic markers for identifying Aptian-age rock sequences across Europe and beyond.

Species Profile – Dufrenoyia mackesoni

Dufrenoyia mackesoni is a notable species within the Family Parahoplitidae, part of the Superfamily Acanthocerataceae and the Order Ammonitida. Ammonites of this family are renowned for their strong ribbing and distinctive morphological features, which make them highly recognisable and important to paleontologists.

Key features of Dufrenoyia mackesoni:

• Evolute shell structure with broad, exposed whorls.
• Prominent ribbing along the flanks, often bifurcating and extending across the whorl.
• A well-defined ventral keel, aiding stability in active swimming.
• Intricate suture patterns, which reflect the evolutionary complexity of the species.

These morphological traits suggest that Dufrenoyia mackesoni was an active, nektonic predator inhabiting shallow Cretaceous seas. It likely fed on smaller marine invertebrates, much like modern cephalopods such as squid and cuttlefish.

Scientific and Collectible Importance

As an ammonite of the Lower Aptian stage, Dufrenoyia mackesoni holds great importance as an index fossil, helping geologists to correlate Aptian strata across Europe and beyond. The species’ distinct shell morphology makes it invaluable for identifying specific biozones within the Aptian stage. Fossils of this species are not commonly encountered, which enhances their desirability for both private collectors and academic research institutions.

Specimens from Vaucluse are especially prized due to their preservation quality and historical scientific significance. This fossil therefore represents both a beautiful display piece and a scientifically valuable specimen.

Provenance and Classification

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

Authentic Collector’s Piece

This Dufrenoyia mackesoni ammonite fossil is a carefully selected specimen that combines geological importance with aesthetic appeal. It is ideal for fossil collectors, educational use, or display as part of a high-quality natural history collection. Each fossil is guaranteed authentic and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its place as a genuine piece of Earth’s history.