Rare Hypacanthoplites Ammonite Fossil Aptian Cretaceous Lozere France Authentic Specimen

Description

Rare Hypacanthoplites Ammonite Fossil from Aptian Cretaceous Lozere France with Certificate of Authenticity

Long Description

Rare Hypacanthoplites Ammonite Fossil from Lozère, France

Presented here is a rare Hypacanthoplites ammonite fossil from the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, discovered in Lozère, France. This superb specimen dates back around 125 to 113 million years, making it both a scientifically important and visually striking fossil. The piece is a carefully chosen, genuine specimen, shown in photographs with a 1 cm scale cube for reference. The fossil comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its genuineness and quality.

Geological Age and Formation

The fossil originates from the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous, a time when Europe’s landscape was dominated by shallow epicontinental seas. These warm marine environments provided ideal conditions for ammonites such as Hypacanthoplites, whose widespread distribution and distinctive shell features make them highly significant for biostratigraphic studies. Sediments from this age in Lozère record the flourishing of marine life during a period of global sea-level changes and important evolutionary developments in ammonites.

Scientific Classification

• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Acanthocerataceae
• Family: Deshayesitidae (sometimes referred under related families depending on classification revisions)
• Genus: Hypacanthoplites

The genus Hypacanthoplites is recognised as an important ammonite taxon in Aptian faunas and is often studied in relation to other coeval genera for refining zonal correlations.

Morphological Features

Hypacanthoplites ammonites are known for their distinctive ribbing and strong ornamentation. The shells are typically moderately evolute, with whorls showing bold, regularly spaced ribs that may bifurcate or branch as they cross the flanks. One of the most recognisable features is the presence of tubercles or nodes along the ribs, often developed into pronounced spines on more mature specimens. These morphological traits not only made the ammonite a successful marine predator but also provide paleontologists with clear identification markers.

The keel running along the venter, combined with strong ribbing, gives these ammonites a striking appearance. Such features likely assisted with buoyancy and hydrodynamic movement through the mid-water marine environment, where they preyed upon small crustaceans, molluscs, and other planktonic organisms.

Stratigraphic and Scientific Importance

Ammonites such as Hypacanthoplites are highly valued as index fossils, meaning they are used to date and correlate Aptian-aged marine strata across Europe and beyond. The presence of this genus in Lozère provides crucial insights into the biostratigraphy of the Cretaceous and has been central to refining the geological timescale for this period. Fossils like this are not only prized for their beauty but also for the role they play in reconstructing the ancient Earth’s evolutionary and environmental history.

Collector and Display Value

This rare Hypacanthoplites ammonite fossil from Lozère is a highly desirable piece for both collectors and academic study. Its ribbing, tuberculation, and distinctive form make it an aesthetically impressive specimen, while its geological context enhances its historical and scientific importance.

Whether displayed in a private fossil collection, used for teaching, or enjoyed as a unique piece of Earth’s history, this fossil offers both visual appeal and scholarly significance. Every specimen we offer is carefully selected, fully authentic, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, making this an excellent opportunity to own a genuine Aptian ammonite fossil from one of France’s renowned fossil localities.