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Rare Dufrenoyia transitoria Ammonite Fossil Lower Aptian Cretaceous Isle of Wight UK Genuine Specimen
Rare Dufrenoyia transitoria Ammonite Fossil from Lower Aptian Cretaceous Whale Chine Isle of Wight UK
Long Description
Rare Dufrenoyia transitoria Ammonite Fossil from the Isle of Wight
This listing is for a rare Dufrenoyia transitoria ammonite fossil, a remarkable specimen from the Lower Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous, discovered at Whale Chine, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom. This ammonite, preserved in striking detail, represents a significant piece of natural history dating back around 125–113 million years ago. The photos show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for reference. Every specimen is carefully selected and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its scientific and collector value.
Geological Context – Lower Aptian, Early Cretaceous
The Lower Aptian stage belongs to the Early Cretaceous period, an era of rising sea levels and expanding shallow marine environments. Whale Chine on the Isle of Wight is a world-renowned fossil locality, producing ammonites, bivalves, gastropods, and occasional vertebrate remains from the richly fossiliferous clays and sands.
These deposits formed in warm, shallow seas that spread across southern England during the Early Cretaceous. Ammonites such as Dufrenoyia transitoria thrived in these nutrient-rich environments, and today they serve as important index fossils, helping geologists establish precise dating of Aptian strata across Europe and beyond.
Species Overview – Dufrenoyia transitoria
The genus Dufrenoyia belongs to the Order Ammonitida and the Family Deshayesitidae. Dufrenoyia transitoria is a highly distinctive species, identified by its unique shell morphology.
Key features include:
- Strong, radial ribbing that crosses the flanks and sometimes bifurcates.
- A moderately involute shell with well-developed whorls.
- Ornamentation that often displays pronounced tubercles, contributing to its robust appearance.
- Adaptations suggesting it was a fast-moving nektonic predator, capable of thriving in open marine environments.
These traits make Dufrenoyia transitoria a striking fossil, highly prized for both its scientific importance and aesthetic qualities.
Biozone and Scientific Importance
Dufrenoyia transitoria plays an important role in Aptian ammonite biozonation, providing precise correlation between rock layers in Europe and other parts of the world. Its presence in Lower Aptian deposits allows palaeontologists to refine geological timescales and reconstruct marine environments of the Early Cretaceous.
Ammonites of this genus also illustrate evolutionary transitions within the Deshayesitidae family, making them of particular interest for scientific research. Specimens from the Isle of Wight are especially sought after due to their rarity and the limited exposure of Aptian strata at Whale Chine.
Collecting Value and Aesthetic Appeal
Fossils of Dufrenoyia transitoria are considered rare finds, even among dedicated ammonite collectors. This specimen from the Isle of Wight displays excellent preservation, allowing its ribbing and shell architecture to be clearly observed. Its provenance from one of the UK’s most famous fossil localities further enhances its desirability.
Whether for a private collection, an educational display, or as a unique natural history piece, this fossil provides both scientific depth and visual appeal. It offers a tangible connection to the warm seas of the Early Cretaceous, when ammonites ruled the oceans.
Provenance and Classification
- Species: Dufrenoyia transitoria
- Order: Ammonitida
- Family: Deshayesitidae
- Age: Lower Aptian, Early Cretaceous (~125–113 million years ago)
- Locality: Whale Chine, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
A Unique Fossil from England’s Cretaceous Coastline
This Dufrenoyia transitoria ammonite fossil from Whale Chine is an exceptional collector’s specimen, combining rarity, geological importance, and historical significance. Carefully chosen and authenticated, it represents a genuine piece of England’s Cretaceous heritage and a striking example of ammonite evolution. Each fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its place as a valuable and trustworthy addition to any fossil collection.





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