Description
Rare Emericiceras barremensis Ammonite Fossil from Montagne de Lure, France
This rare Emericiceras barremensis ammonite fossil originates from the Montagne de Lure, France, and dates to the Barremian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, around 129–125 million years ago. Carefully chosen for its preservation, this specimen provides a fascinating glimpse into the ancient marine ecosystems that flourished during the Cretaceous. All of our fossils are genuine, and this piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The accompanying photos show the actual specimen you will receive, with a scale cube of 1cm for precise sizing.
Geological Context
- Geological Period: Cretaceous
- Stage: Barremian (Early Cretaceous)
- Age: Approximately 129–125 million years old
- Provenance: Montagne de Lure, France
The Barremian is a key stage of the Lower Cretaceous, known for its rich ammonite faunas and diverse marine deposits. The Montagne de Lure locality is celebrated for yielding exceptional specimens that have been instrumental in refining ammonite zonation and understanding the paleoenvironments of the European Cretaceous seas.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
- Family: Desmoceratidae
- Genus: Emericiceras
- Species: Emericiceras barremensis
Ammonites in this group are important index fossils, used by geologists to precisely date and correlate marine sedimentary strata across Europe.
Morphological Features
This specimen of Emericiceras barremensis displays several characteristic features of the genus:
- Evolute coiling, with all whorls visible and evenly proportioned.
- Ribbed ornamentation running across the flanks, sometimes bifurcating towards the outer whorl.
- A moderately compressed shell, with distinct growth lines and well-defined sutures.
- The presence of strong ribbing and subtle keel structures that reflect the ammonite’s adaptation to open marine swimming.
These details highlight not only the ammonite’s beauty but also its evolutionary role within Early Cretaceous cephalopods.
Paleoenvironment and Significance
During the Barremian, much of Europe was covered by warm shallow seas, ideal for ammonites. Emericiceras barremensis was a nektonic predator, actively swimming and hunting smaller marine organisms. Its wide distribution makes it a vital species for the biostratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous, particularly in defining ammonite zones within the Barremian Stage.
The Montagne de Lure locality is notable for its chalky limestone deposits, which preserve these fossils in fine detail. Such deposits represent a marine shelf environment, where sedimentation was relatively slow, allowing ammonites and other organisms to be fossilised with clarity.
Key Details
- Species: Emericiceras barremensis
- Age: Barremian Stage, Early Cretaceous (129–125 million years)
- Locality: Montagne de Lure, France
- Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
- Scale Reference: 1cm cube in photographs for size comparison
Collectability and Display Value
This rare Barremian ammonite fossil is an excellent example of Emericiceras barremensis from one of France’s most important fossil localities. Its distinct ribbing and classic ammonite form make it highly desirable to both collectors and enthusiasts of natural history. Whether for scientific study, educational use, or as a stunning display specimen, this ammonite is a genuine piece of Earth’s evolutionary past.
By owning this specimen, you are preserving a fragment of Early Cretaceous marine life that has survived for over 125 million years, connecting you directly to the story of our planet’s ancient oceans.
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