Rare Mazenoticeras brevitti Ammonite Fossil from Berriasian Cretaceous Basset Gard France Authentic Specimen

Description

Geological Context and Provenance

This rare specimen is a genuine Mazenoticeras brevitti ammonite fossil from the Berriasian Stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, dating to approximately 145 – 139 million years ago. It originates from the Basset locality in Gard, southern France, a region renowned for its rich exposures of Lower Cretaceous deposits. The Berriasian represents the earliest stage of the Cretaceous, making fossils from this interval of particular interest to palaeontologists and collectors alike.

The Basset area has long been studied for its fossiliferous deposits, which preserve a diverse range of ammonites and other marine organisms. These rocks formed in shallow marine environments along the margins of the Tethys Ocean, where warm waters created the ideal conditions for ammonite populations to flourish.

Fossil Type and Species Information

Mazenoticeras brevitti belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Perisphinctoidea, and is part of a group of ammonites that are highly valued for their distinctive morphology and stratigraphic importance. Ammonites of the genus Mazenoticeras are widely recognised as useful index fossils for the Berriasian, providing key markers for correlating strata across Europe and the Mediterranean.

The species brevitti is particularly noted for its compact coiling and bold ribbing, features that distinguish it from closely related taxa. Its restricted stratigraphic occurrence makes it significant for refining the biostratigraphic framework of the Early Cretaceous.

Morphological Features and Identification

This specimen of Mazenoticeras brevitti shows the characteristic tightly coiled shell and strong ribbing across the flanks, which extend clearly towards the venter. The whorls are moderately involute, producing a robust and structured form. The ribbing is evenly spaced and angular, giving the ammonite a striking visual appearance.

These features are not just ornamental but also functional. The ribbing helped reinforce the shell against pressure in open marine environments, while the chambered structure of the ammonite allowed buoyancy control, enabling it to move actively as a predator within the water column.

Depositional Environment

During the Berriasian, the Gard region was part of a shallow marine shelf connected to the Tethys Ocean. Sediments of limestone and marl accumulated in these settings, providing the fine-grained matrices necessary for the excellent preservation of ammonite shells. The seas were teeming with life, including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, gastropods, echinoids, and larger marine reptiles.

Ammonites such as Mazenoticeras brevitti played a key role in these ecosystems, hunting smaller marine organisms and serving as prey for larger predators. Their abundance and diversity during the Berriasian underline their ecological importance and make their fossils central to understanding the Early Cretaceous world.

Collector Appeal and Authenticity

This Mazenoticeras brevitti ammonite is a scientifically important and visually impressive specimen, offering both academic value and collector appeal. Its ribbed shell, compact form, and provenance from the Basset Gard region make it a standout piece for any collection.

• 100% Genuine Specimen – All fossils we supply are authentic and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Exact Fossil Shown – The photographs depict the actual ammonite you will receive.
• Scale Reference – Scale rule squares / cube = 1 cm. Please see photos for accurate sizing.

Owning this ammonite offers a tangible connection to the dawn of the Cretaceous Period. This carefully selected Mazenoticeras brevitti fossil from the Berriasian seas of southern France is both a valuable scientific reference and a striking natural display piece, making it an exceptional addition to any fossil collection.