Rare Melchiorites melchioris Ammonite Fossil from Lower Aptian Cretaceous Alps Haute Provence France Authentic Specimen

Description

Geological Context and Provenance

This specimen is a genuine Melchiorites melchioris fossil ammonite from the Lower Aptian Stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 125 – 113 million years ago. It originates from the Alps region of Haute Provence, France, an area globally renowned for its Lower Cretaceous fossil-bearing formations. These sites provide a unique window into the ancient Tethyan Ocean, which covered much of Europe during the Early Cretaceous.

The Aptian Stage is particularly important in palaeontology, marking a time of significant evolutionary expansion among ammonites. Fossils from Haute Provence not only preserve exquisite detail but also hold great biostratigraphic value, assisting in the dating and correlation of Cretaceous sedimentary rocks across Europe and beyond.

Fossil Type and Species Information

Melchiorites melchioris belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Desmoceratoidea, and Family Desmoceratidae. Ammonites in this group are characterised by their robust coiling and distinctive ribbing patterns, making them easily identifiable among Early Cretaceous ammonite faunas.

The genus Melchiorites is notable for its role as an important index fossil within the Aptian Stage. The species melchioris provides both palaeontological and stratigraphic significance due to its distinct shell morphology and restricted stratigraphic distribution. It is widely used in defining biozones within the Lower Aptian, helping to refine the geological timescale.

Morphological Features and Identification

This specimen of Melchiorites melchioris demonstrates the characteristic strong ribbing and compact coiling of the species. The ribs extend across the flanks and are often slightly sinuous, creating a decorative and highly recognisable pattern. The whorls are tightly coiled and moderately involute, giving the fossil a robust yet elegant form.

The ribbing served to strengthen the shell against both water pressure and potential predators. Like other ammonites, Melchiorites possessed a chambered shell, which allowed it to regulate buoyancy and move actively through the water column. These adaptations made it an effective nektonic predator, feeding on small crustaceans, molluscs, and planktonic organisms.

Depositional Environment

During the Aptian Stage, Haute Provence was submerged beneath warm, shallow seas connected to the Tethys Ocean. Sedimentation here was dominated by marls and limestones, which provided ideal conditions for the fossilisation of ammonites. The fine-grained sediments preserved ammonite shells with remarkable clarity, retaining key details of ribbing and coiling.

This marine environment supported a highly diverse ecosystem, including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, gastropods, corals, and large marine reptiles. Ammonites such as Melchiorites melchioris played a vital role in this food web, serving both as predators and as prey for larger organisms. Their abundance and diversity make them some of the most important fossils of the Cretaceous seas.

Collector Appeal and Authenticity

This Melchiorites melchioris ammonite is a rare and scientifically significant specimen from the Lower Aptian deposits of Haute Provence. Its sharp ribbing and compact whorl form make it not only an important scientific reference fossil but also a visually appealing piece for display.

• 100% Genuine Specimen – All fossils we supply are authentic and include a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Exact Fossil Shown – The photographs depict the actual specimen you will receive.
• Scale Reference – Scale rule squares / cube = 1 cm. Please refer to the images for precise sizing.

This carefully chosen Melchiorites melchioris fossil ammonite represents a remarkable connection to the Early Cretaceous seas of France. Its rarity, scientific importance, and aesthetic beauty ensure it will be a prized addition to any fossil collection or natural history display.