Stoliczkaia clavigera Ammonite Fossil Cretaceous Lower Cenomanian France Genuine Specimen with COA

Description

Stoliczkaia clavigera Ammonite from Thorne, France

This remarkable fossil is an authentic Stoliczkaia clavigera ammonite, a distinctive and scientifically significant species from the Lower Cenomanian stage of the Cretaceous period. Discovered in the fossil-rich deposits of Thorne, France, this specimen represents a snapshot of marine life from more than 98 million years ago. As with all our fossils, this piece is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The exact fossil shown in the photographs is the one you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for precise size reference.

Geological Age and Locality

This ammonite originates from the Lower Cenomanian, which dates between 100.5 and 98 million years ago. The Cenomanian marks the onset of the Late Cretaceous, a period characterised by high global sea levels and expansive shallow marine environments across Europe. The Thorne region of France is celebrated for its Cretaceous deposits, where layers of chalk and limestone preserve a wide variety of marine fossils including ammonites, bivalves, and gastropods. These deposits have provided researchers and collectors with a rich record of marine ecosystems from the mid-Cretaceous.

Taxonomy and Classification

Stoliczkaia clavigera is a member of the order Ammonitida, superfamily Acanthoceratoidea, and family Acanthoceratidae. This genus is highly regarded in paleontology for its role in biostratigraphy, as its species are valuable markers for dividing and correlating Cenomanian stratigraphic zones. The distinctive ornamentation and shell structure of S. clavigera make it instantly recognisable and of great interest to both scientific study and private collections.

Morphological Characteristics

This fossil showcases the key features of Stoliczkaia clavigera. Its shell exhibits moderately involute coiling with strong, radiating ribs across the flanks. Prominent tubercles appear along the ribs, particularly at the ventrolateral margins, giving the fossil a striking and robust appearance. These tubercles and rib structures strengthened the shell and contributed to its hydrodynamic profile, helping the ammonite maintain buoyancy and mobility within the mid-water column. Such morphological traits are not only diagnostic for the species but also add to the visual appeal of the specimen.

Depositional Environment and Ecology

During the Cenomanian, Thorne lay beneath warm, shallow seas that formed part of Europe’s vast epicontinental marine system. These seas supported diverse marine life, with ammonites such as Stoliczkaia clavigera playing a central role in the food web. As a nektonic cephalopod, this ammonite was an active swimmer, likely preying upon smaller crustaceans and mollusks. Its abundance within Cenomanian deposits highlights its ecological success and provides valuable data for reconstructing Cretaceous marine ecosystems.

Collector’s Value and Authenticity

This specimen is not only a scientifically important fossil but also an excellent display piece. Its bold ribbing and distinctive tubercles are well preserved, making it a superb reference example of the species. Each fossil we sell is photographed individually to ensure accuracy, so buyers can be confident they will receive exactly the piece shown. The scale cube in the photograph allows for precise measurement, and a Certificate of Authenticity is included with every specimen.

Owning this Stoliczkaia clavigera ammonite fossil means acquiring a genuine 98-million-year-old relic from the Cretaceous seas of France, an outstanding specimen for collectors, educators, or anyone fascinated by natural history.