Description
This listing features a RARE and well-preserved fossil ammonite – Hoplites escrignollensis from the Middle Albian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, collected from Salins-les-Bains, Aube, France. This classic European species is known for its detailed ribbing and importance in Cretaceous biostratigraphy, making it an exceptional specimen for collectors or display.
All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The exact fossil in the photographs is the one you will receive. Please refer to the photo with the 1cm scale cube for accurate sizing.
Fossil Overview:
- Species: Hoplites escrignollensis
- Common Name: Fossil Ammonite
- Geological Period: Cretaceous
- Stage: Middle Albian (~107–105 million years ago)
- Location: Salins-les-Bains, Aube, France
- Preservation Type: Body fossil in marl or limestone matrix
- Size: See scale in image
Geological & Depositional Environment:
This ammonite originates from marine sediments deposited during the Middle Albian, a time when much of Europe was submerged under shallow epicontinental seas. The sedimentary environment in Salins-les-Bains (Aube region) was dominated by marl and limestone deposition under calm, low-energy conditions—perfect for the preservation of detailed ammonite shells.
The Albian Stage is a key interval for mid-Cretaceous ammonite evolution, and Hoplites species are particularly important for biozonal correlation and stratigraphic dating in Europe.
Taxonomy & Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Hoplitaceae
- Family: Hoplitidae
- Genus: Hoplites
- Species: escrignollensis
- Formally Described By: Jacob, 1907
Morphological Features:
Hoplites escrignollensis is known for:
- Involute coiling with a compressed whorl section
- Dense, strong ribbing bifurcating mid-flank
- Prominent ventrolateral tubercles or nodes
- A narrow, keeled venter
- Clear suture patterns in well-preserved specimens
These features suggest a mobile, nektonic lifestyle in open marine waters, likely as an active predator.
Notable Aspects:
- Excellent preservation from a classic Albian locality
- Biostratigraphically important ammonite for Cretaceous correlation
- Rarely offered species with distinct and diagnostic features
- Historically significant species, described in the early 20th century
Why Buy From Us?
- All fossils are 100% genuine and ethically sourced
- Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
- The specimen shown is the exact one you will receive
- Carefully packed and promptly dispatched
Add a scientifically important and visually striking ammonite to your fossil collection with this authentic Hoplites escrignollensis from the Cretaceous seas of France — a beautiful relic of deep time and marine evolution.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.