Rare Muniericeras palmarum Ammonite Fossil Upper Santonian Cretaceous Tsiribina Madagascar Genuine Specimen

Description

Rare Muniericeras palmarum Ammonite Fossil

This listing features a rare Muniericeras palmarum ammonite fossil, dating from the Upper Santonian Stage of the Cretaceous period, discovered in the renowned fossil beds of Tsiribina, Madagascar. This specimen is a fine example of a Late Cretaceous ammonite, notable for its strong ornamentation and evolutionary significance. The photographs show the exact fossil for sale, with a 1 cm cube included for scale. Every fossil we supply is a 100% genuine specimen and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Context

The Upper Santonian Stage, approximately 86.3–83.6 million years ago, represents part of the Late Cretaceous. This was a time when high global sea levels supported rich marine ecosystems dominated by ammonites, bivalves, and marine reptiles. Madagascar, during the Cretaceous, was situated in warm southern hemisphere seas, producing some of the most diverse ammonite faunas in the world. The Tsiribina region is especially renowned for its Santonian ammonite deposits, yielding beautifully preserved specimens that are highly valued for both research and private collections.

Taxonomy and Classification

Muniericeras palmarum belongs to the genus Muniericeras, within the family Pachydiscidae, superfamily Desmoceratoidea, and order Ammonitida. The Pachydiscidae are a family of large, strongly ornamented ammonites that thrived during the Late Cretaceous. Characterized by their stout shells and pronounced ribbing, they are among the most recognisable ammonites of the period. Muniericeras is particularly significant because of its role as an index fossil, with palmarum serving as an important species for the zonation of the Upper Santonian.

Morphological Features

The shell of Muniericeras palmarum is generally robust and inflated, with strong ribs radiating across the flanks and often terminating in pronounced tubercles. The ornamentation is bold and distinctive, providing a highly sculptured appearance that is diagnostic for the genus. The venter is usually broad, and the ribs sweep cleanly across it, reinforcing the shell’s symmetry and visual appeal. These structural features are not only aesthetically striking but also provide important diagnostic criteria for paleontologists. The specimen offered here preserves these features in fine detail, making it both scientifically valuable and a highly desirable display fossil.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Ammonites like Muniericeras palmarum are crucial for biostratigraphy of the Upper Santonian, as they have restricted stratigraphic ranges and clear morphological features that make them ideal index fossils. Their presence allows geologists to correlate marine rocks across distant regions with precision. For collectors, the rarity of well-preserved Muniericeras specimens from Madagascar makes them highly prized. This fossil combines aesthetic appeal with scientific value, offering a tangible connection to marine life from nearly 85 million years ago.

Provenance and Authenticity

This ammonite fossil was collected in Tsiribina, Madagascar, a world-class locality for Upper Santonian ammonites. Every specimen we supply is carefully chosen for quality and accuracy, and each comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Secure packaging and professional shipping guarantee that your fossil will arrive safely and in excellent condition.

This is a rare Muniericeras palmarum ammonite fossil from the Upper Santonian of Madagascar, combining rarity, scientific importance, and aesthetic appeal. A superb addition for collectors of ammonites, Cretaceous fossils, or anyone with a passion for natural history.