Description
Rare Emericiceras barremensis Ammonite Fossil – Upper Barremian, Cretaceous
This rare Emericiceras barremensis ammonite fossil originates from the Alps Maritime region of France, dating back to the Upper Barremian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, approximately 129–125 million years ago. It is an exceptionally sought-after specimen among collectors due to its rarity, scientific importance, and striking morphological features. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, photographed with a 1cm scale cube for accurate sizing. As with all of our fossils, it comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its genuine provenance.
Geological Context
- Geological Period: Cretaceous
- Stage: Upper Barremian (Early Cretaceous)
- Age: ~129–125 million years old
- Location: Alps Maritime, France
The Barremian Stage is a critical interval of the Early Cretaceous, following the Hauterivian and preceding the Aptian. This time saw extensive diversification of ammonite faunas, making species like Emericiceras barremensis highly valuable for understanding biostratigraphy. Fossils from the Barremian are relatively rare, and this particular species is a key index ammonite for this stage, frequently used by geologists to correlate marine sediments across Europe.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
- Family: Desmoceratidae
- Genus: Emericiceras
- Species: Emericiceras barremensis
This genus is named in honour of Eugène Renevier Emeric, a French geologist. The species barremensis takes its name from the Barremian Stage itself, underscoring its importance as a stratigraphic marker fossil.
Morphological Features
Emericiceras barremensis is known for its planispiral shell with moderately compressed whorls and distinctive ribbing. Key traits include:
- Ribbing: Strong, regular ribs that cross the shell from the umbilical margin to the outer whorl.
- Keel: A ventral keel that is well-pronounced in many specimens, aiding in hydrodynamic stability.
- Whorl Section: Sub-oval to slightly compressed in cross-section, with ornamentation often well-preserved in limestone matrix.
- Dimorphism: Evidence of dimorphic pairing, with microconchs (smaller forms) and macroconchs (larger forms) representing different sexes of the species.
These features highlight its adaptation to nektonic life in the warm seas of the Cretaceous.
Paleoenvironment and Significance
During the Barremian, the Alps Maritime region was submerged under shallow, warm epicontinental seas connected to the Tethys Ocean. These waters supported diverse marine ecosystems where ammonites like Emericiceras thrived as agile predators, preying on smaller molluscs and crustaceans.
The significance of Emericiceras barremensis lies not only in its rarity but also in its role as an index fossil. Its widespread distribution across European Cretaceous deposits allows geologists to precisely define the Upper Barremian biozone, making it vital for stratigraphic dating.
Key Details
- Species: Emericiceras barremensis
- Age: Early Cretaceous, Upper Barremian (~129–125 million years old)
- Location: Alps Maritime, France
- Authenticity: 100% genuine with Certificate of Authenticity
- Display: Exact specimen shown, with 1cm scale cube for size reference
Collectability and Display Value
This rare ammonite fossil from the Upper Barremian is a superb addition for both serious collectors and those interested in geological history. Its elegant ribbing and historical importance as a zonal fossil make it highly collectible. Whether displayed in a private collection, used for educational purposes, or gifted to a fossil enthusiast, Emericiceras barremensis represents a remarkable relic of Earth’s distant past.
Holding this ammonite connects you directly with the ancient Cretaceous seas of France, offering a rare glimpse into life over 125 million years ago.
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