Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

FREE UK DELIVERY - Save up to 60%

VERY RARE Fossil Heteromorph Ammonite HOPLOSCAPHITES NICOLLETII – Fox Hills Formation, Maastrichtian, Cretaceous: South Dakota, USA
VERY RARE Fossil Heteromorph Ammonite HOPLOSCAPHITES NICOLLETII – Fox Hills Formation, Maastrichtian, Cretaceous: South Dakota, USA - Image 2

VERY RARE Fossil Heteromorph Ammonite HOPLOSCAPHITES NICOLLETII – Fox Hills Formation, Maastrichtian, Cretaceous: South Dakota, USA

£180.00

This listing features a VERY RARE and scientifically significant fossil of the heteromorph ammonite Hoploscaphites nicolletii, a distinctive cephalopod from the Maastrichtian stage of the Late Cretaceous. This authentic specimen was discovered in the Fox Hills Formation, part of the Pierre Shale Group in South Dakota, USA, a globally important fossil site that preserves marine life from the final stages of the age of dinosaurs.

Hoploscaphites nicolletii is part of the family Scaphitidae, within the superfamily Scaphitoidea and order Ammonitida. This genus is recognised for its heteromorph coiling — starting in a tight spiral before expanding into a more open, hook-like final whorl. This shell shape is thought to reflect a unique ecological adaptation, possibly allowing for distinctive buoyancy control or locomotion within the ancient Western Interior Seaway.

Geological & Scientific Details:

  • Scientific Name: Hoploscaphites nicolletii
  • Fossil Type: Heteromorph Ammonite (Extinct Marine Cephalopod)
  • Geological Period: Cretaceous
  • Stage: Maastrichtian (approx. 72–66 million years ago)
  • Formation: Fox Hills Formation (part of the Pierre Shale Group)
  • Location Found: South Dakota, United States
  • Order: Ammonitida
  • Superfamily: Scaphitoidea
  • Family: Scaphitidae
  • Morphological Features: Partially uncoiled heteromorph shell, compressed whorls, fine ribbing, distinctive hook at the terminal aperture
  • Depositional Environment: Shallow marine to marginal marine deltaic setting of the retreating Western Interior Seaway

This ammonite is a keystone taxon in Late Cretaceous biostratigraphy, often used as an index fossil in North America. Hoploscaphites nicolletii has also contributed to debates around the K–Pg extinction due to its presence in some post-boundary strata.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Please Note:

  • Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm – full sizing is shown in the photo
  • The fossil you see is the exact specimen you will receive, carefully chosen for its preservation quality and scientific relevance

This rare heteromorph ammonite offers a fascinating glimpse into the final flourishing of ammonites before their extinction, making it an exceptional addition to any serious palaeontological collection.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: UF3776 Category:

Description

This listing features a VERY RARE and scientifically significant fossil of the heteromorph ammonite Hoploscaphites nicolletii, a distinctive cephalopod from the Maastrichtian stage of the Late Cretaceous. This authentic specimen was discovered in the Fox Hills Formation, part of the Pierre Shale Group in South Dakota, USA, a globally important fossil site that preserves marine life from the final stages of the age of dinosaurs.

Hoploscaphites nicolletii is part of the family Scaphitidae, within the superfamily Scaphitoidea and order Ammonitida. This genus is recognised for its heteromorph coiling — starting in a tight spiral before expanding into a more open, hook-like final whorl. This shell shape is thought to reflect a unique ecological adaptation, possibly allowing for distinctive buoyancy control or locomotion within the ancient Western Interior Seaway.

Geological & Scientific Details:

  • Scientific Name: Hoploscaphites nicolletii
  • Fossil Type: Heteromorph Ammonite (Extinct Marine Cephalopod)
  • Geological Period: Cretaceous
  • Stage: Maastrichtian (approx. 72–66 million years ago)
  • Formation: Fox Hills Formation (part of the Pierre Shale Group)
  • Location Found: South Dakota, United States
  • Order: Ammonitida
  • Superfamily: Scaphitoidea
  • Family: Scaphitidae
  • Morphological Features: Partially uncoiled heteromorph shell, compressed whorls, fine ribbing, distinctive hook at the terminal aperture
  • Depositional Environment: Shallow marine to marginal marine deltaic setting of the retreating Western Interior Seaway

This ammonite is a keystone taxon in Late Cretaceous biostratigraphy, often used as an index fossil in North America. Hoploscaphites nicolletii has also contributed to debates around the K–Pg extinction due to its presence in some post-boundary strata.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Please Note:

  • Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm – full sizing is shown in the photo
  • The fossil you see is the exact specimen you will receive, carefully chosen for its preservation quality and scientific relevance

This rare heteromorph ammonite offers a fascinating glimpse into the final flourishing of ammonites before their extinction, making it an exceptional addition to any serious palaeontological collection.

Additional information

Era

Cretaceous
Origin

USA

Cretaceous Information

The Cretaceous Period (145–66 million years ago) was the final era of the Mesozoic, marked by the dominance of dinosaurs and the rise of flowering plants. It had a warm, greenhouse climate, with high sea levels that created vast shallow inland seas. Marine life flourished, including mosasaurs, ammonites, and rudist reefs, while the land was ruled by iconic dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Spinosaurus. Mammals and birds diversified, and insects thrived. The period ended with the mass extinction event, likely caused by an asteroid impact, wiping out the dinosaurs and paving the way for the rise of mammals in the Cenozoic.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

Related products