RARE Prodeshayesites jacksoni iridescent Fossil Ammonite Aptian Cretaceous Russia

Description

Rare Prodeshayesites jacksoni Iridescent Fossil Ammonite from Russia

This listing offers a rare Prodeshayesites jacksoni Fossil Ammonite, preserved with stunning natural iridescence, from the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, approximately 125 – 113 million years ago. This exquisite specimen was discovered in Russia, a region well known for its fossil-bearing marine sediments that yield some of the finest preserved ammonites in the world.

The fossil is shown in the photographs provided and comes with a scale cube of 1 cm for accurate sizing. The specimen pictured is the exact ammonite you will receive, carefully selected for its preservation, colour, and scientific significance. As with all our specimens, this fossil is 100% genuine and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for your assurance.

Geological Age and Provenance

The ammonite dates to the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous, which represents an important evolutionary interval in Earth’s history. During this time, global sea levels were high, and large parts of Europe and Russia were submerged under shallow marine seas. These environments provided the perfect conditions for ammonites to thrive and diversify.

The Russian Aptian deposits are highly regarded for their quality of preservation, often capturing fine details of ammonite shell morphology, ribbing, and occasionally even nacreous layers that create the rare shimmering iridescent effect seen on this specimen. Such preservation offers invaluable insights into the paleoenvironments of the Early Cretaceous seas.

Scientific Classification and Significance

• Species: Prodeshayesites jacksoni
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Deshayesitoidea
• Family: Deshayesitidae

Prodeshayesites jacksoni is a significant ammonite species within Early Cretaceous biostratigraphy. Ammonites belonging to the Deshayesitidae family are recognised as index fossils, meaning they are crucial for correlating and dating Aptian marine sediments across large geographic regions. Their rapid evolutionary changes and wide distribution make them one of the most reliable tools for stratigraphic studies.

Morphological Features

This ammonite displays the characteristic traits of the species, including:

• Planispiral, evolute shell coiling, with outer whorls fully visible.
• Distinctive ribbing patterns across the shell surface.
• A moderately compressed whorl section with prominent radial ornamentation.
• Iridescent nacre preservation, producing rainbow-like colours under light.

These features highlight the beauty of the fossil while also showcasing the evolutionary adaptations that allowed ammonites to thrive in the Aptian seas.

Depositional Environment

The depositional environment of this ammonite was a shallow epicontinental sea, which covered vast portions of Russia during the Cretaceous. Fine-grained marine sediments accumulated rapidly, burying and protecting ammonite shells soon after death. In rare instances, geochemical conditions favoured the preservation of nacre, resulting in the spectacular iridescence exhibited by this specimen.

The Aptian seas were dynamic ecosystems, with ammonites like Prodeshayesites playing a central role in the marine food chain. They were active predators, likely feeding on small fish, crustaceans, and planktonic organisms, while themselves being prey for marine reptiles and larger cephalopods.

Collector and Display Value

This Prodeshayesites jacksoni iridescent ammonite represents a perfect balance of scientific importance and aesthetic appeal. For collectors, it offers a rare opportunity to own a species that not only defines a key interval of the Early Cretaceous but also stands out as a striking display fossil due to its nacreous shimmer.

Its provenance, preservation, and natural beauty make it a valuable specimen for both private collectors and educational or museum displays. Whether appreciated for its role in Earth’s history or admired for its gemstone-like iridescence, this ammonite holds enduring significance.

Key Features

• Species: Prodeshayesites jacksoni
• Geological Stage: Aptian, Early Cretaceous (125 – 113 million years old)
• Location: Russia
• Family: Deshayesitidae, Order Ammonitida
• Distinctive ribbed, evolute shell form
• Rare iridescent nacre preservation
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen pictured is the one you will receive

This is a rare chance to acquire an authentic Prodeshayesites jacksoni iridescent ammonite fossil—a true collector’s piece that unites scientific significance with natural beauty.