Rare Tropaeum bowerbanki Ammonite Fossil Lower Aptian Cretaceous France Authentic Specimen

Description

Rare Tropaeum bowerbanki Ammonite Fossil from France

This listing presents a rare Tropaeum bowerbanki ammonite fossil, a striking and scientifically significant specimen from the Lower Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous, dating to approximately 125 million years ago. This remarkable fossil was collected in France, a region well known for its rich Aptian deposits that yield some of the finest ammonites in Europe. The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accuracy. Each fossil is individually selected and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its genuineness.

Geological Setting and Age

The fossil originates from Lower Aptian marine deposits, formed during a time when Europe was covered by warm, shallow seas. These seas supported abundant ammonite faunas, which today provide essential biostratigraphic markers for understanding Early Cretaceous geology. The Aptian stage, spanning from around 125 to 113 million years ago, is particularly important for its evolutionary radiations of ammonites, with Tropaeum bowerbanki representing one of the key taxa from this interval.

Scientific Classification

• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Deshayesitoidea
• Family: Deshayesitidae
• Genus: Tropaeum
• Species: Tropaeum bowerbanki

This ammonite species is named after James Scott Bowerbank, a 19th-century British naturalist renowned for his contributions to paleontology.

Morphological Features

Tropaeum bowerbanki is distinguished by its robust, moderately evolute shell with strongly ribbed ornamentation. The ribs typically extend across the flanks and bend forward over the venter, producing a bold and visually striking appearance. Its large, sturdy form suggests a powerful open-ocean swimmer, capable of navigating Cretaceous seas in search of prey. Specimens of this genus often exhibit a strong presence when displayed, thanks to their ribbing and distinctive shell geometry, which are both well-preserved in this example.

Stratigraphic and Paleontological Importance

As a representative of the Deshayesitidae family, Tropaeum bowerbanki is a useful species for Aptian stratigraphy. Its occurrence in French deposits helps refine the correlation of Lower Cretaceous marine sediments across Europe. Ammonites like Tropaeum are key index fossils, allowing paleontologists to date rocks with precision and reconstruct paleoenvironments. The Lower Aptian seas of France provide excellent preservation, making fossils from this region especially desirable to both collectors and researchers.

Collector and Display Value

This specimen of Tropaeum bowerbanki is more than just a fossil – it is a tangible link to the Cretaceous seas of 125 million years ago. Its bold ribbed shell and historical significance make it a superb display piece for collectors of ammonites, Cretaceous fossils, or rare paleontological specimens in general. The robust form ensures that it stands out in any collection, while its role in biostratigraphy and ammonite evolution adds scientific weight to its importance.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens, carefully chosen for quality and scientific interest. This ammonite comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, giving you complete confidence in its provenance. It is both a beautiful display fossil and a scientifically significant piece from the Aptian seas of France, making it a rare and valuable addition to any fossil collection.