Rare Haploceras carachtei Ammonite Fossil Berriasian Cretaceous LACISTERNE BOISSET GARD France

Description

Rare Haploceras carachtei Ammonite Fossil – Berriasian, Early Cretaceous

This rare Haploceras carachtei ammonite fossil comes from the Lacisterne Boisset region of Gard, France, and is dated to the Berriasian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, approximately 145–139 million years ago. Known for its elegant shell form and scientific importance, Haploceras carachtei represents a transitional ammonite type at the dawn of the Cretaceous. The specimen offered here is the exact fossil shown in the photographs, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity to guarantee its genuine origin. A 1cm scale cube is included for reference.

Geological Context

• Period: Cretaceous
• Stage: Berriasian (earliest stage of the Cretaceous)
• Age: ~145–139 million years ago
• Provenance: Lacisterne Boisset, Gard, France

The Berriasian Stage is the earliest division of the Cretaceous period, following directly after the Tithonian of the Late Jurassic. Fossils from this interval are crucial for defining the beginning of the Cretaceous and for correlating strata worldwide. The ammonite Haploceras carachtei is particularly significant for its role in Early Cretaceous ammonite faunas, bridging evolutionary developments between Late Jurassic perisphinctids and the diverse forms of the Cretaceous.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Haplocerataceae
• Family: Haploceratidae
• Genus: Haploceras
• Species: Haploceras carachtei

Morphological Features

The shell of Haploceras carachtei exhibits characteristic traits that distinguish it from related ammonite species:

• Whorls: Moderately involute, with smooth to gently ribbed flanks.
• Venter: Rounded to slightly flattened, without a pronounced keel, giving it a streamlined form.
• Ornamentation: Subtle ribbing or nearly smooth surfaces, a defining feature of haploceratids.
• Suture Lines: Relatively simple compared to other ammonite groups, with less complex lobes and saddles.

This combination of features gives the fossil both aesthetic appeal and paleontological importance, making it desirable for collectors and researchers alike.

Paleoenvironment and Significance

During the Early Cretaceous, the Gard region was submerged beneath shallow, warm seas influenced by the Tethys Ocean. These environments were home to ammonites, belemnites, echinoids, bivalves, and marine reptiles. Ammonites like Haploceras carachtei occupied an active, nektonic lifestyle, preying on smaller organisms while using their chambered shells to regulate buoyancy.

Haploceras carachtei holds scientific importance as a biostratigraphic indicator for the Berriasian Stage. Its occurrence in specific strata helps geologists define the lower boundaries of the Cretaceous, an essential task for global stratigraphic correlation. This makes it both a collector’s piece and a fossil of high research value.

Key Details

• Species: Haploceras carachtei
• Age: Early Cretaceous, Berriasian (~145–139 million years ago)
• Location: Lacisterne Boisset, Gard, France
• Authenticity: Supplied with Certificate of Authenticity
• Sizing: Shown with 1cm scale cube in photographs

Collectability and Display Value

This rare Haploceras carachtei ammonite fossil represents a fascinating and scientifically significant specimen from the very start of the Cretaceous. Its rarity, coupled with its elegant morphology, makes it highly desirable for fossil collectors, educators, and enthusiasts. Whether displayed as a centerpiece in a collection or studied as part of the Early Cretaceous ammonite record, this fossil offers a direct connection to Earth’s ancient seas and one of the key evolutionary stages in ammonite history.

A truly exceptional and collectible ammonite, it provides both natural beauty and scientific depth for any serious fossil collection.