RARE: Manticoceras gadolinium British Chalk Ammonite Fossil – Upper Cenomanian Cretaceous Berwick Sussex UK – Certified Authentic

Description

RARE MANTICOCERAS GADOLINIUM FOSSIL AMMONITE

This listing features a rare and scientifically notable fossil of Manticoceras gadolinium, a member of the extinct ammonite group, originating from Berwick, Sussex, United Kingdom. Collected as part of the respected Alice Purnell Collection, this piece offers exceptional provenance, preservation, and educational value.

The actual fossil shown in the listing photo is the one you will receive. It includes a scale rule (1cm per square) for accurate sizing—please refer to the photo for precise dimensions.

As always, 100% genuine fossil, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Fossil Classification:

• Species: Manticoceras gadolinium
• Genus: Manticoceras
• Family: Acanthoceratidae
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Type: Fossil ammonite (extinct marine cephalopod)

Geological and Stratigraphic Context:

• Geological Period: Cretaceous
• Stage: Upper Cenomanian
• Formation: Chalk Group (British Chalk)
• Location: Berwick, Sussex, UK
• Depositional Environment: Marine shelf setting; the British Chalk is a fine-grained carbonate deposit formed in warm, shallow seas rich in planktonic organisms, particularly coccolithophores.

The Upper Cenomanian marks the transition into globally extensive chalk deposition phases during the mid-Cretaceous greenhouse period. Manticoceras gadolinium is commonly found in faunal assemblages just before the Turonian boundary.

Morphological Features:

Manticoceras gadolinium is characterised by its compressed, discoidal shell with pronounced ribbing and finely developed tubercles along the flanks. Sutures are complex and deeply incised, and the coiling tends to be moderately evolute. These features make it easily distinguishable from other contemporaneous ammonites.

This specimen retains much of its original morphology, with exquisite preservation of shell details, which are rare in chalk preservation due to the soft lithology and weathering processes.

Palaeontological Significance and Biozone:

Manticoceras species help define subzones within the Upper Cenomanian ammonite biostratigraphy. While M. gadolinium is not the principal zonal index, it is frequently found in association with key zone fossils like Acanthoceras rhotomagense, aiding in interregional correlation of Upper Cretaceous deposits in Western Europe.

Provenance:

This fossil was originally collected by or acquired into the Alice Purnell Collection, a well-known British assemblage with a reputation for locality-verified and scientifically curated specimens. Each item is selected for its preservation and representative value.

Authenticity & Condition:

• 100% original, natural fossil
• Not a replica or cast
• From a trusted UK-based fossil collection
• Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Excellent display-grade piece or research specimen

Whether you’re a collector, educational institution, or fossil enthusiast, this rare Manticoceras gadolinium ammonite represents a window into the ancient marine world of Cretaceous Britain and is an exceptional piece for any serious collection.