Rare Emericiceras emerici Heteromorph Fossil Ammonite Barremian Cretaceous Var France Authentic Collector Specimen with COA

Description

This listing is for a rare fossil ammonite, Emericiceras emerici, a remarkable heteromorph ammonite from the Barremian stage of the Early Cretaceous (approximately 129–125 million years ago). This specimen was collected in the Var region of southeastern France, an area globally recognised for its rich Barremian fossil deposits. Unlike typical planispiral ammonites, Emericiceras emerici developed a distinctive irregular shell form, making it a highly sought-after specimen among collectors. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive. Scale rule squares / cube = 1 cm – please refer to the images for precise sizing. All our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context: Barremian, Early Cretaceous

The Barremian stage is an important division of the Early Cretaceous, notable for its diverse ammonite assemblages and the evolutionary experimentation of heteromorph groups. During this time, the Var region of France formed part of the shallow seas that covered much of Europe, lying along the northern edge of the Tethys Ocean. Fine deposits of limestone, clay, and marl accumulated in these environments, preserving a wealth of marine fossils.

Ammonites such as Emericiceras emerici serve as index fossils for the Barremian, allowing geologists to correlate marine strata across Europe and establish detailed chronostratigraphy. The presence of this species provides valuable information on paleoecology, evolutionary trends, and marine depositional settings during the Early Cretaceous.

The Species: Emericiceras emerici

Emericiceras emerici belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Ancylocerataceae, and family Ancyloceratidae. It is a heteromorph ammonite, a group defined by their departure from the tightly coiled, symmetrical shells of most ammonites. Instead, Emericiceras exhibits an open, irregularly coiled shell with pronounced ribbing, often appearing crioconic or partially uncoiled.

The ribbing is a diagnostic feature of this species, creating a striking appearance and enhancing both the fossil’s structural integrity and its display value. The unusual morphology suggests a lifestyle different from that of planispiral ammonites, with heteromorphs potentially adopting slower movement in the water column or drifting with ocean currents.

Morphological and Scientific Features

• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Ancylocerataceae
• Family: Ancyloceratidae
• Genus and Species: Emericiceras emerici
• Geological Stage: Barremian, Early Cretaceous (c. 129–125 Ma)
• Locality: Var, France
• Shell Traits: Irregularly coiled heteromorph form, strong ribbing, crioconic tendencies
• Scientific Importance: Index fossil for Barremian deposits, key to evolutionary and paleoenvironmental studies

The diagnostic features of E. emerici make it a valuable taxon for paleontological research, while its aesthetic appeal enhances its desirability for collectors.

Collector and Display Value

Specimens of Emericiceras emerici are rare and highly prized among ammonite collectors. The heteromorph coiling and pronounced ribbing make this species visually striking, while its scientific role as an index fossil increases its historical importance.

The Var region of France is internationally celebrated for producing outstanding Barremian fossils, giving this specimen additional prestige and provenance. Its rarity, combined with its distinctive morphology, ensures that it will stand out as a centrepiece in any fossil collection.

All of our specimens are carefully selected for authenticity and preservation. This Emericiceras emerici fossil is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, making it a rare opportunity to own a genuine heteromorph ammonite from the Early Cretaceous seas of France.