RARE: Paracymatoceras hillii Fossil Nautilus – Albian Stage, Cretaceous – Texas, USA – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

This listing features a RARE and authentic fossil nautilus of the species Paracymatoceras hillii from the Albian stage of the Lower Cretaceous period, discovered in the state of Texas, USA. This stunning and scientifically valuable specimen originates from the renowned Alice Purnell Collection, known for its high-calibre, museum-quality fossil specimens.

Paracymatoceras hillii is a species of extinct nautiloid cephalopod, an ancient marine mollusc related to modern nautiluses. While ammonites are more commonly found and collected, true nautiloids like Paracymatoceras are significantly rarer, making this a highly desirable piece for collectors and researchers alike.

Nautiloids possessed a coiled, chambered shell used for buoyancy control, much like their modern counterparts. They swam through Cretaceous seas using jet propulsion, feeding on small marine organisms with their tentacles and beak-like jaws.

Geological Context: This fossil originates from Cretaceous marine strata in Texas, dating specifically to the Albian Stage (~113–100 million years ago). During this time, North America was partially covered by the Western Interior Seaway—a vast inland sea that supported an abundance of marine life including ammonites, bivalves, reptiles, and rarer nautiloids like Paracymatoceras.

Key Details:

• Species: Paracymatoceras hillii (Fossil Nautilus)
• Fossil Type: Extinct nautiloid cephalopod
• Age: Albian Stage, Lower Cretaceous (~113–100 million years ago)
• Location Found: Texas, USA
• Provenance: From the Alice Purnell Collection
• Condition: Excellent preservation with visible coiling and shell morphology
• Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Scale: Refer to photo with 1cm cube for accurate sizing
• Photo: The exact specimen shown is the one you will receive

Scientific & Collector Value: True fossil nautiluses like Paracymatoceras hillii are much rarer than ammonites and offer a unique window into the diversity of cephalopods during the Cretaceous period. This piece is a valuable acquisition for fossil collectors, natural history educators, or museums. Its documented history from the Alice Purnell Collection enhances both its authenticity and collectability.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

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Own a scientifically rare and beautifully preserved specimen with this authentic Paracymatoceras hillii fossil nautilus from the Albian Stage of Texas, USA.