RARE Micraster Isomicraster stolleyi Fossil Echinoid Cretaceous Upper Campanian Germany

Description

Rare Micraster (Isomicraster) stolleyi Echinoid Fossil

Offered here is a rare Micraster (Isomicraster) stolleyi fossil echinoid, collected from the Upper Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous, specifically from the Quarry Teutonia, Misberg near Hanover, Germany. This specimen is an exceptional and scientifically important example of a heart urchin that thrived over 70 million years ago in the chalk seas of northern Europe. The fossil pictured is the exact piece you will receive, shown with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing. Each specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it as a genuine fossil.

Geological Context

The Misberg region near Hanover is well known for its high-quality Upper Cretaceous exposures, particularly the Upper Campanian chalks and marls, which preserve a wealth of marine invertebrates. During the Campanian (approximately 83.6–72.1 million years ago), much of Europe was covered by shallow seas rich in calcareous plankton. The remains of these organisms, along with burrowing echinoids such as Micraster, accumulated to form thick chalk deposits. These conditions provided excellent preservation, allowing for fine details of echinoid morphology to remain visible even millions of years later.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Echinodermata
• Class: Echinoidea
• Order: Spatangoida
• Family: Micrasteridae
• Genus: Micraster
• Subgenus: Isomicraster
• Species: Micraster stolleyi

Morphological Features

Micraster (Isomicraster) stolleyi is a member of the spatangoid echinoids, often referred to as heart urchins. The test (outer shell) displays the characteristic asymmetry of the group, with a heart-shaped profile, flattened base, and a slightly elongated anterior. The petaloid ambulacra are distinct and well developed, reflecting the respiratory structures of the animal. The anterior groove and off-centre mouth and anus are typical adaptations for a burrowing lifestyle. This species, in particular, is noted for its robust and compact test with strong definition of the ambulacral and interambulacral areas.

Paleoecological Significance

Micraster echinoids are vital for understanding Cretaceous seafloor ecosystems. As infaunal deposit feeders, they lived buried within the sediment, moving through the chalky substrate in search of organic matter. Their abundance and evolutionary variety make them excellent index fossils, frequently used in biostratigraphy to refine dating of Upper Cretaceous chalk sequences. The presence of Micraster (Isomicraster) stolleyi specifically provides insight into the Campanian biozones of northern Germany, a key region in European stratigraphy.

Collectability and Scientific Value

This rare specimen of Micraster stolleyi is of considerable value to collectors due to its scarcity and clear preservation. The test retains its distinctive form, making it a fine display fossil while also holding scientific interest for comparative study. Fossils from the Misberg quarries are especially prized, as access has become increasingly limited, further enhancing the rarity of well-preserved examples.

Guaranteed Authenticity

All of our fossils are carefully chosen genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive. This rare Micraster (Isomicraster) stolleyi echinoid fossil from the Upper Campanian chalk of Misberg, Germany, represents both a beautiful collector’s specimen and a scientifically important record of Late Cretaceous marine life.