Rare Prolyelliceras apuloense Ammonite Fossil Albian Cretaceous Chulec Formation Machay Group Proya Peru Genuine Specimen

Description

Rare Prolyelliceras apuloense Ammonite Fossil

This listing offers a rare Prolyelliceras apuloense ammonite fossil, collected from the Chulec Formation of the Machay Group, dating to the Albian Stage of the Cretaceous period. Found in Proya, Peru, this specimen represents one of the classic ammonites of the Early Cretaceous seas, known for its ribbed morphology and significance in stratigraphy. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for accurate sizing. As with all our offerings, this is a 100% genuine fossil and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Context

The Albian Stage (approximately 113–100.5 million years ago) was the last stage of the Early Cretaceous. It was a time of warm climates, high global sea levels, and widespread shallow marine environments. In South America, particularly in Peru, the Chulec Formation within the Machay Group developed as a fossiliferous unit of limestones and shales. These marine sediments preserve a diverse record of ammonites, bivalves, and other marine organisms. The ammonites of the Chulec Formation, including Prolyelliceras apuloense, are particularly significant as they provide essential markers for global stratigraphic correlation of the Albian.

Taxonomy and Classification

Prolyelliceras apuloense is a species of the genus Prolyelliceras, belonging to the family Lyelliceratidae, superfamily Acanthoceratoidea, and order Ammonitida. The Lyelliceratidae are a family of robustly ornamented ammonites that thrived during the Albian. Members of this genus are widely regarded as key index fossils, with species like apuloense used in defining ammonite zones that allow geologists to date and correlate Albian strata across different continents. Their importance lies not only in their aesthetic value as fossils but also in their role in paleontological and geological research.

Morphological Features

The shell of Prolyelliceras apuloense is compact and sturdy, with bold ribs extending across the flanks and often curving forward towards the venter. These ribs give the ammonite a highly sculptured appearance and are a defining feature of the species. The whorls are moderately inflated, creating a robust form that would have helped the animal regulate buoyancy in shallow seas. These diagnostic features make apuloense distinct within the genus and enhance its value as both a collector’s fossil and a scientific specimen. The specimen offered here preserves these ribbing patterns clearly, highlighting the evolutionary traits of the group.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Ammonites like Prolyelliceras apuloense are critical to biostratigraphy, acting as index fossils for the Albian Stage. Their limited stratigraphic range and distinctive shell features allow paleontologists to identify and correlate marine deposits across broad geographic areas. For collectors, fossils from the Chulec Formation of Peru are highly prized for their rarity, authenticity, and connection to one of the most significant ammonite-bearing formations of the Early Cretaceous. A specimen of this quality combines scientific importance with strong visual appeal, making it a standout addition to any fossil collection.

Provenance and Authenticity

This fossil was collected in Proya, Peru, within the Chulec Formation of the Machay Group, a world-class Albian fossil locality. Each specimen we provide is carefully selected for its preservation and authenticity. Every piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for buyer confidence, and we ensure secure packaging and professional shipping so your fossil arrives safely and in excellent condition.

This is a rare Prolyelliceras apuloense ammonite fossil from the Albian of Peru, combining rarity, scientific value, and aesthetic appeal. A remarkable addition for collectors of ammonites, Cretaceous fossils, or natural history specimens.