Turrilites acutus Heteromorph Fossil Ammonite Lower Cenomanian Cretaceous Pavilly France with COA

Description

Turrilites acutus Heteromorph Ammonite from Pavilly, France

This is a fine example of a Turrilites acutus heteromorph fossil ammonite, originating from the Lower Cenomanian Stage of the Late Cretaceous, discovered near Pavilly, France. Dating back approximately 100–94 million years, this ammonite represents one of the classic heteromorph forms, with its tower-like spiral shell and striking ribbed ornamentation. Specimens from Pavilly are particularly well-regarded for their preservation and their importance in defining key ammonite zones of the Cenomanian.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil pictured is the actual specimen you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube and rule squares included to show accurate sizing.

Geological Age and Locality

This specimen comes from the Lower Cenomanian, the first stage of the Late Cretaceous. The Cenomanian marks a time of globally high sea levels, when shallow epicontinental seas covered large parts of Europe, creating thriving marine ecosystems.

The Pavilly region in northern France is a classic locality for Cenomanian fossils, especially ammonites. The limestone and chalk deposits here have long been studied by palaeontologists and are famous for yielding well-preserved specimens of Turrilites, which serve as reference material for the zonation of this period.

Fossil Type and Scientific Classification

• Genus: Turrilites
• Species: Turrilites acutus
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Turrilitoidea
• Family: Turrilitidae

Turrilites acutus is an important index fossil for the Lower Cenomanian. Its distinctive shell structure and restricted age range make it crucial for identifying and correlating Cenomanian strata across Europe. Specimens from Pavilly, in particular, have been used in defining ammonite biozones, underlining the scientific value of this species.

Morphological Features

The name acutus reflects the sharp, well-defined features of this species, which include:

• Helicoidal Coiling: A tall, turret-like spiral form rather than the flat coiling of typical ammonites.
• Prominent Ribbing: Strong, narrow ribs extend across the shell surface, giving it a sharp and sculptural appearance.
• Tuberculation: Small tubercles often develop along the ribs, providing additional diagnostic character.
• Keel Development: A well-defined keel is present along the venter, a common feature of the genus.

These features made Turrilites acutus instantly recognisable to palaeontologists and highlight its role in ammonite classification.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Turrilites acutus plays a vital role in biostratigraphy, defining the acutus Zone of the Lower Cenomanian. This makes it one of the most important ammonites for dating rocks of this age, and it remains a key reference taxon for geological study.

For collectors, the rarity and diagnostic features of Turrilites acutus make it a highly desirable specimen. Pavilly is considered a classic locality, and fossils from this site are increasingly scarce, further enhancing the value of well-preserved examples.

Display and Educational Value

This specimen was carefully selected for its preservation, distinctive ribbing, and overall display quality. Its helically coiled shell and bold ornamentation make it a striking fossil to showcase in any collection.

Perfect for museum exhibits, educational settings, or private collections, this Turrilites acutus heteromorph ammonite from Pavilly not only demonstrates the extraordinary diversity of ammonite evolution but also serves as an important piece of geological history from the Lower Cenomanian seas of France.