RARE Thomasites gongilensi Ammonite Fossil Turonian Cretaceous U Benoue Nigeria Genuine Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

This listing features a rare and scientifically important Thomasites gongilensi ammonite fossil from the Turonian stage of the Late Cretaceous, discovered in the Upper Benoue Basin, Nigeria. Ammonites of the genus Thomasites are distinctive for their ornamented shells and their rarity within African fossil deposits, making this specimen highly desirable for collectors and academic interest alike.

The fossil you see photographed is the exact specimen you will receive, and the 1 cm scale cube provides precise reference for its size. As with all our pieces, it is a 100% genuine fossil and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity for guaranteed provenance.

Geological Setting and Age

This ammonite originates from the Turonian stage of the Late Cretaceous, dating to approximately 93–89 million years ago. The Turonian was a time of high global sea levels, with warm epicontinental seas covering large regions of Africa. The Benoue Trough (Upper Benoue Basin) in Nigeria is a well-known fossil-bearing formation, preserving an important record of marine life from this interval.

These deposits represent marine sedimentary environments, typically composed of shales, sandstones, and limestones, which provided ideal conditions for the preservation of ammonites and other marine organisms.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Genus: Thomasites
• Species: Thomasites gongilensi

This species is recognised for its unique ornamentation and shell structure, which aid in precise biostratigraphic placement within the Turonian.

Morphological Features

The Thomasites gongilensi ammonite shows several notable traits:

• A moderately evolute shell with well-defined ribbing across the whorls.
• Strongly ornamented ribs that may branch or bifurcate, giving the shell a striking appearance.
• Presence of tubercles or nodes along rib intersections, features common to Turonian ammonites of this lineage.
• Complex suture lines, a key diagnostic characteristic of the family.

These features not only highlight its aesthetic appeal but also mark it as an important index fossil for Turonian stratigraphy.

Paleoenvironment and Depositional Context

During the Turonian, the region of present-day Nigeria lay within a tropical shallow marine environment, strongly influenced by the opening of the South Atlantic Ocean. Ammonites such as Thomasites gongilensi would have been active predators, feeding on smaller marine invertebrates while themselves serving as prey for larger reptiles and fish.

The sediments of the Upper Benoue Basin, where this specimen was recovered, are renowned for preserving detailed fossil evidence of these dynamic Cretaceous seas. Ammonites from this locality are comparatively rare, increasing the scientific and collector value of this piece.

Collector and Display Significance

This specimen of Thomasites gongilensi represents both a rare acquisition and a scientifically valuable fossil. Its distinctive morphology and well-documented provenance make it suitable for collectors, educators, and institutions. The rarity of Nigerian ammonites on the global fossil market further enhances its desirability.

• Locality: Upper Benoue Basin, Nigeria
• Age: Turonian, Late Cretaceous (~93–89 million years old)
• Fossil Type: Ammonite (Thomasites gongilensi)

Whether displayed as a centerpiece in a collection or used as a research specimen, this ammonite is a tangible link to the ancient oceans of the Late Cretaceous. With its Certificate of Authenticity, it comes with full assurance of its genuineness and historical significance.