Description
A rare and scientifically significant fossil pairing featuring a heteromorph ammonite of the genus Moutoniceras (Hemibaculites) and the zonal ammonite Neocomites neocomiensis. This beautifully preserved fossil comes from the Valanginian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, collected from the well-documented marine exposures in Vaucluse, southern France—a region prized for its ammonite diversity and geological importance.
Specimen Overview:
- Species: Moutoniceras (Hemibaculites) sp. and Neocomites neocomiensis
- Geological Age: Lower Cretaceous – Valanginian Stage (~139.8 to 132.6 million years ago)
- Location: Vaucluse, France
- Formation / Unit: Likely associated with the Vallorcine or Vocontian Basin sequences, known for rich ammonite faunas
- Scale Reference: Rule squares and cube = 1cm (please refer to photos for full sizing)
- Authenticity: Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Photo Accuracy: Image shows the actual fossil specimen for sale
Scientific Classification:
Moutoniceras (Hemibaculites):
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Ancyloceratoidea
- Family: Ancyloceratidae
- Genus: Moutoniceras
- Subgenus: (Hemibaculites)
- Identification: Described and revised within European Cretaceous ammonite studies (typically mid–20th century French paleontology)
Neocomites neocomiensis:
- Family: Neocomitidae
- Biozone Marker: Often used to define the Neocomites neocomiensis Biozone, a key early Valanginian biostratigraphic interval
- Importance: Neocomites is a principal zonal genus used to identify key stratigraphic layers across Europe and North Africa
Morphology and Features:
- Moutoniceras (Hemibaculites) exhibits a heteromorph shell, with partially uncoiled or loosely coiled whorls—a signature trait of ecological adaptation, possibly to planktonic or drifting life habits
- Shell surface features include fine ribbing and occasional tubercles, preserved in fine sediment
- Neocomites neocomiensis shows tightly coiled, ornamented shell structure, often with bold ribbing and keels, consistent with its role as a biozone index fossil
Geological & Depositional Environment:
The Vaucluse region in southern France lies within the ancient Vocontian Trough, a marine depositional basin during the Early Cretaceous. The area was characterized by calm to moderately deep marine environments, promoting exceptional preservation of ammonite shells in marl and limestone layers.
The Valanginian Stage is one of the earlier stages of the Cretaceous and is biostratigraphically critical for its abundant ammonite faunas, including forms like Neocomites and heteromorphs like Moutoniceras. This pairing on a single slab reflects both ecological diversity and stratigraphic value.
Why This Fossil is Exceptional:
- Combines two iconic Cretaceous ammonite genera on a single slab
- Heteromorph ammonites are less common and highly sought after
- Includes biozone marker Neocomites neocomiensis, used in global stratigraphy
- Preserved from a classic European fossil site
- Professionally prepped and documented
- Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
Summary:
- Authentic Moutoniceras (Hemibaculites) & Neocomites neocomiensis ammonite fossil
- From the Valanginian Stage, Lower Cretaceous
- Origin: Vaucluse, France
- Notable heteromorph coiling and zonal bioindicator pairing
- An excellent specimen for collectors, educators, or scientific display
- Scale: 1cm cube and rule squares visible in photo
- What you see is exactly what you get
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