RARE Turrilites scheuzerianus Heteromorph Ammonite Fossil – Albian Cretaceous Isle of Wight UK – Authentic Certified Specimen

Description

This listing features a rare Turrilites scheuzerianus fossil ammonite from the Albian Stage of the Lower Cretaceous, collected from the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom. This highly distinctive heteromorph ammonite presents the classic high-spired helical coiling typical of the genus Turrilites, and is an excellent example of natural preservation from the Cretaceous marine environment.

From the respected Alice Purnell Collection, this fossil represents both scientific and aesthetic significance.

Scale rule squares = 1cm. Full sizing is shown in the listing photos.

Fossil Type and Species Details:

• Scientific Name: Turrilites scheuzerianus (Bosc, 1801)
• Type: Heteromorph ammonite
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Turrilitoidea
• Family: Turrilitidae
• Genus: Turrilites
• Species: T. scheuzerianus

Morphology and Features:

This ammonite displays tightly wound vertical spiral coils, with characteristic ribbing and regularly spaced tubercles. These features suggest a slow-swimming or drifting lifestyle in the open water column. Unlike planispiral ammonites, heteromorphs such as Turrilites show significant evolutionary deviation and were likely pelagic in nature.

Geological Information:

• Geological Period: Lower Cretaceous
• Geological Stage: Albian (approximately 113 to 100 million years ago)
• Formation: Upper Greensand
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine shelf with high biological productivity and siliciclastic sedimentation
• Locality: Isle of Wight, United Kingdom

Scientific and Collecting Importance:

Turrilites scheuzerianus is one of the best-known heteromorph ammonites and has long been used as a biostratigraphic marker in Albian marine sediments. Its unusual morphology makes it highly collectible and scientifically notable. Well-preserved specimens like this are increasingly rare and make ideal display pieces for collectors, institutions, and fossil enthusiasts.

Provenance and Guarantee:

This specimen comes from the renowned Alice Purnell Collection, known for its scientifically curated fossils and excellent preservation standards. The fossil is exactly as shown in the photograph and is the precise piece you will receive.

Authenticity Guarantee:

All our fossils are 100% genuine and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. We do not sell casts or replicas. Each item is a real piece of Earth’s ancient history.