RARE Forresteria forresteri Ammonite Fossil Coniacian Cretaceous Menabe Madagascar COA

Description

Rare Forresteria forresteri Ammonite Fossil

This listing offers a rare Forresteria forresteri ammonite fossil from the Coniacian stage of the Late Cretaceous, found in Menabe, Madagascar. Dating back approximately 89–86 million years ago, this ammonite represents a remarkable relic from the warm, shallow seas of the Tethys Ocean. The specimen pictured, photographed with a 1 cm scale cube, is the exact fossil you will receive. As with all our items, it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it as a 100% genuine specimen.

Geological Setting – Coniacian Stage, Madagascar

The Coniacian stage followed the Turonian and preceded the Santonian within the Late Cretaceous. It was marked by high sea levels, greenhouse climates, and the development of widespread carbonate platforms. Madagascar’s Menabe region is world-renowned for its marine fossil deposits, particularly ammonites that flourished in these nutrient-rich, warm waters.

The fossil-bearing strata here primarily consist of marls, sandstones, and limestones laid down in tropical shallow seas. These environments supported diverse ammonite populations, whose shells were buried and preserved in fine-grained sediments, later lithified into the fossil-rich rocks of today.

Species Overview – Forresteria forresteri

The genus Forresteria belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Acanthoceratoidea, and family Collignoniceratidae. The species Forresteria forresteri is particularly prized for its rarity and distinctive shell morphology.

Key features include:

• Strong, ornamented ribbing across the shell flanks
• A generally compressed and moderately involute shell form
• Prominent ventrolateral tubercles (small nodes or spines) that are diagnostic of the genus
• Sutures that are deeply incised and complex, reflecting evolutionary adaptations

These traits provide clear identification and make Forresteria forresteri a valuable index fossil for correlating Coniacian-aged deposits across the globe.

Scientific and Paleontological Importance

Forresteria forresteri plays a critical role in biostratigraphy, as its restricted occurrence in time makes it a reliable indicator of Coniacian-aged rock units. Fossils of this species contribute to a greater understanding of ammonite evolution, paleoecology, and the paleogeographic distribution of marine faunas during the Cretaceous greenhouse world.

The presence of strong ribbing and tuberculation may have provided structural reinforcement against predators and ocean currents, reflecting ecological pressures of its environment. Its occurrence in Madagascar further enhances our knowledge of southern hemisphere ammonite faunas during the Late Cretaceous.

Collector and Display Value

This specimen of Forresteria forresteri is both a scientifically important fossil and a striking display piece. Its distinct ornamentation and strong ribbing provide exceptional visual appeal, while its provenance from Madagascar’s Menabe region adds to its rarity and desirability.

Collectors of ammonites and Cretaceous marine fossils will find this an essential addition to their collection. It is equally suitable for educational or museum contexts, where it can be used to demonstrate ammonite diversity and Coniacian stratigraphy.

Authenticity and Guarantee

• Genuine Forresteria forresteri ammonite fossil
• From the Coniacian stage of the Late Cretaceous, Menabe, Madagascar
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in the photographs will be shipped

This is a rare chance to acquire a genuine Forresteria forresteri ammonite fossil, representing a unique piece of Earth’s history and a superb addition to any fossil collection.