Rare Emericiceras Heteromorph Fossil Ammonite Hauterivian Cretaceous Drome France Authentic Collectors Specimen with COA

Description

This listing is for a rare fossil ammonite, Emericiceras, a distinctive heteromorph ammonite from the Hauterivian stage of the Early Cretaceous (approximately 132–129 million years ago). Collected in Drôme, France, this specimen demonstrates the unusual open coiling typical of heteromorph ammonites, setting it apart from the more common tightly coiled planispiral forms. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive. Scale rule squares / cube = 1 cm – please check the images for accurate sizing. Every specimen is 100% genuine and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context: Hauterivian, Early Cretaceous

The Hauterivian stage is part of the Early Cretaceous and is notable for its diverse ammonite faunas. During this time, southern France lay beneath shallow epicontinental seas on the northern margin of the Tethys Ocean. These warm marine environments provided the perfect conditions for ammonites to thrive.

The marls, clays, and limestones of the Drôme region preserve a rich fossil record that allows scientists to reconstruct Early Cretaceous ecosystems. Ammonites from the Hauterivian, including Emericiceras, are considered valuable index fossils, enabling paleontologists to date and correlate marine sediments across Europe and beyond.

The Genus: Emericiceras

Emericiceras belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Ancylocerataceae, and family Ancyloceratidae. Unlike the planispiral ammonites that coil in a compact spiral, heteromorph ammonites like Emericiceras evolved shells that are loosely coiled or irregularly shaped.

The shell of Emericiceras typically exhibits open crioconic coiling with strong ribbing and ornamentation. These ribs run across the whorls, providing both structural strength and striking visual patterns. The morphology suggests that heteromorph ammonites may have had different ecological roles from their tightly coiled relatives, perhaps adopting slower or drifting lifestyles in the water column rather than active swimming.

Morphological and Scientific Features

• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Ancylocerataceae
• Family: Ancyloceratidae
• Genus: Emericiceras
• Geological Stage: Hauterivian, Early Cretaceous (c. 132–129 Ma)
• Locality: Drôme, France
• Shell Traits: Heteromorph crioconic coiling, strong ribbing, loosely coiled whorls, open spiral form
• Scientific Importance: Index fossil for Hauterivian biozones, key to evolutionary studies of heteromorph ammonites

The unusual uncoiled morphology of Emericiceras marks it as an important species for paleontologists, illustrating the evolutionary experimentation of ammonites in the Early Cretaceous seas.

Collector and Display Value

Heteromorph ammonites such as Emericiceras are considered rare and highly collectible, as their unusual shell shapes are far less common than the tightly coiled forms typically associated with ammonites. Their striking appearance makes them particularly sought after by collectors and museums alike.

This specimen from Drôme, France, holds additional value thanks to the region’s reputation for producing exceptional Hauterivian fossils. Its distinctive ribbing and open coil structure make it a remarkable display piece as well as a scientifically significant fossil.

All of our fossils are hand-selected for quality and authenticity. Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, this Emericiceras heteromorph ammonite represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine and distinctive ammonite from the Early Cretaceous seas of France.