RARE: Fossil Heteromorph Ammonite EMERICICERAS – Barremian, Cretaceous – St Laurent, Alpes-Maritimes, France – Certified Authentic

Description

RARE EMERICICERAS FOSSIL – HETEROMORPH AMMONITE FROM THE BARREMIAN STAGE OF THE CRETACEOUS – ST LAURENT, ALPES-MARITIMES, FRANCE

This specimen is a remarkable and rare heteromorph ammonite of the genus Emericiceras, discovered in St Laurent, located in the Alpes-Maritimes, southeastern France. It originates from the Barremian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, approximately 129–125 million years ago.

You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photographs, complete with a 1 cm scale cube for precise sizing. For full dimensions, please refer to the listing image.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This specimen is part of the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection, known for expertly sourced and documented paleontological pieces.

Fossil Identification:

• Genus: Emericiceras
• Type: Heteromorph Ammonite
• Family: Ancyloceratidae
• Superfamily: Ancyloceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Geological Age: Early Cretaceous – Barremian (approx. 129–125 Ma)
• Location: St Laurent, Alpes-Maritimes, France

Geology and Stratigraphy:

• Geological Stage: Barremian (Early Cretaceous)
• Depositional Environment: Marine shelf environment; warm, shallow epicontinental seas with carbonate sedimentation typical of the Provence Basin
• Formation: Likely corresponding to the Urgonian limestone sequences that dominate the Barremian strata of southeastern France
• Paleogeography: The region was part of the northern margin of the Tethys Ocean during the Early Cretaceous, which was populated by diverse ammonite faunas

Morphology Features:

Emericiceras is a heteromorph ammonite, meaning it deviates from the standard planispiral coiling. It typically exhibits an open spiral or helical early growth stage with prominent ribbing and, in some species, slight tuberculation. Its suture lines are moderately complex, and the shell often shows an uncoiled, hook-like terminal growth stage—thought to influence buoyancy or reproductive behavior.

These structural adaptations offer important evolutionary insights and are visually striking, making Emericiceras a favoured taxon among heteromorph collectors.

Paleontological Significance:

Emericiceras is important in understanding heteromorph ammonite diversification and paleoecology in the Early Cretaceous. It represents a transitional form in heteromorph evolution and may hold biostratigraphic relevance in Barremian faunal correlation across Europe and the northern Tethyan margin.

Item Summary:

• Rare heteromorph ammonite: Emericiceras
• Geological Period: Early Cretaceous
• Stage: Barremian
• Origin: St Laurent, Alpes-Maritimes, France
• From the Alice Purnell Collection
• Supplied with Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact fossil shown in the photo
• Scale: 1cm square shown for size reference

A rare collector’s ammonite that combines scientific significance with visual appeal. Ideal for display, education, or adding a high-quality heteromorph to your fossil collection.