Description
Rare Turrilites costatus Heteromorph Ammonite from Sussex
This listing is for a rare Turrilites costatus heteromorph fossil ammonite, discovered in Sussex, United Kingdom, within the Cenomanian Stage of the Late Cretaceous Period. Dating back approximately 100–94 million years, this remarkable ammonite showcases the distinctive tower-like coiling and ornate ribbing that make heteromorph ammonites among the most striking and unusual fossils of the Cretaceous seas.
Every specimen we provide is a 100% genuine fossil and is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the actual fossil you will receive, complete with a 1cm scale cube and rule squares for precise size reference.
Geological Age and Provenance
The fossil was collected from Cenomanian-aged deposits in Sussex, part of the famous White Chalk of southern England. The Cenomanian marks the beginning of the Late Cretaceous and is characterised by some of the highest global sea levels in Earth’s history. Shallow epicontinental seas covered much of Europe, providing a flourishing environment for ammonites and other marine life.
The chalk cliffs of Sussex, including world-renowned sites such as the South Downs and coastal exposures, have long been important to British palaeontology. Fossils from these deposits are highly sought after for their scientific and historical significance, and Turrilites costatus is one of the classic ammonite species associated with this interval.
Fossil Type and Scientific Classification
- Genus: Turrilites
- Species: Turrilites costatus
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Turrilitoidea
- Family: Turrilitidae
Turrilites costatus is a key index fossil used in Cenomanian stratigraphy. Its distinctive morphology makes it an invaluable tool for correlating rock sequences across different regions of Europe. The species was first described in the 19th century and remains a reference fossil for palaeontologists studying the Lower Chalk.
Morphological Features
The name costatus refers to the strongly ribbed ornamentation of this species, which is one of its most recognisable traits.
- Helicoidal Shell Form: Unlike typical ammonites, the shell grows in a tall, tower-like spiral instead of a flat coil.
- Strong Ribbing: Bold ribs encircle the shell, creating a sculptural and highly textured appearance.
- Tuberculation: Nodes or tubercles may appear along rib intersections, further adding to the ornamentation.
- Keel Development: A keel often runs along the venter, contributing to its hydrodynamic form.
These features not only made Turrilites costatus distinctive in life but also give it high aesthetic and scientific value as a fossil.
Scientific and Collector Importance
Turrilites costatus is one of the most important Cenomanian ammonites for defining biozones within the Cretaceous. Its widespread distribution and unique morphology allow geologists to accurately date and correlate Cenomanian chalk deposits across Europe.
For collectors, the rarity of well-preserved specimens from Sussex makes them particularly desirable. With limited exposures and increasing restrictions on collecting, high-quality fossils from this locality are becoming scarcer, enhancing their significance as display and study pieces.
Display and Educational Value
This specimen has been carefully selected for its preservation and diagnostic ribbing, making it an outstanding example of a heteromorph ammonite. Its vertical, spiralling form and bold ornamentation create a dramatic display piece that immediately captures attention.
Ideal for private collections, educational displays, or museum exhibits, this fossil not only demonstrates the extraordinary diversity of ammonite evolution but also embodies the rich geological history of southern England.
Owning a rare Turrilites costatus heteromorph ammonite from Sussex provides both an exceptional collector’s item and a scientifically important specimen, representing the fascinating evolutionary experiments of the Cretaceous seas.
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