Rare Lyelliceras lyelli Ammonite Fossil Albian Cretaceous Chulec Formation Machay Group Proya Peru Authentic Certified

Description

Rare Lyelliceras lyelli Ammonite Fossil

This listing presents a rare Lyelliceras lyelli ammonite fossil, a scientifically important and visually striking specimen from the Chulec Formation, Machay Group, Albian Stage of the Cretaceous period, collected in Proya, Peru. The ammonite displays the classic ribbed shell structure typical of this species, making it both an excellent study fossil and a fine collector’s piece. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for reference. As with all of our items, this is a 100% genuine specimen and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Context

The fossil comes from the Albian Stage (approximately 113–100.5 million years ago), a time of warm global climates and high sea levels that supported thriving shallow marine ecosystems. The Chulec Formation, part of the Machay Group, is one of Peru’s most significant fossiliferous deposits, composed mainly of limestone and shale. These layers represent shallow marine environments influenced by the vast Tethys Ocean. The ammonites preserved here, including Lyelliceras lyelli, have been crucial in refining biostratigraphic frameworks for the Cretaceous in South America and in correlating them with deposits worldwide.

Taxonomy and Classification

Lyelliceras lyelli belongs to the genus Lyelliceras, within the family Lyelliceratidae, superfamily Acanthoceratoidea, and order Ammonitida. Ammonites of this group are distinctive for their ribbed ornamentation and robust shells, which make them highly recognisable and important for scientific classification. The species lyelli is a particularly significant index fossil for the Albian, widely recorded in stratigraphic studies and considered a marker species for dating rocks of this age.

Morphological Features

The shell of Lyelliceras lyelli is robust and compact, with moderately involute coiling, meaning later whorls partly conceal earlier ones. The surface ornamentation is dominated by strong ribs that cross the flanks and sweep over the venter without interruption, giving the fossil a bold, sculptural appearance. These ribs are evenly spaced and consistent, one of the defining features of the species. The venter is broad and rounded, and the whorls exhibit moderate inflation. These morphological characteristics not only aid in precise identification but also make the ammonite a striking display piece.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Ammonites such as Lyelliceras lyelli are highly valued in biostratigraphy, serving as index fossils that allow geologists to correlate rock sequences across continents. Their restricted stratigraphic range and distinctive morphology make them especially useful for dating Albian-age deposits. For collectors, this fossil represents an opportunity to own a piece of South American paleontological heritage, from a locality that is less commonly available on the market. Its rarity, combined with excellent preservation and strong provenance, makes it desirable for both scientific collections and private displays.

Provenance and Authenticity

This specimen was collected at Proya, Peru, within the Chulec Formation of the Machay Group, a globally significant fossil site. Every fossil we supply is carefully chosen for authenticity, quality, and provenance. Each piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and is packaged securely to ensure safe delivery.

This is a rare Lyelliceras lyelli ammonite fossil from the Albian of Proya, Peru. With its bold ribbing, excellent preservation, and scientific significance, it makes a superb addition to any collection of ammonites, Cretaceous fossils, or natural history specimens.