Very Rare Gaudryceras tenuiliratum Fossil Ammonite Campanian Cretaceous Hokkaido Japan

Description

Very Rare Gaudryceras tenuiliratum Fossil Ammonite – Cretaceous of Japan

This exceptional specimen is a very rare Gaudryceras tenuiliratum fossil ammonite, dating to the Campanian Stage of the Late Cretaceous, and originating from the world-renowned fossil beds of Hokkaido, Japan. Carefully chosen for its quality and preservation, this fossil offers a glimpse into a marine world that existed around 83.6 to 72.1 million years ago. Every piece is guaranteed authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for precise sizing.

Geological Age and Provenance

The fossil comes from the Campanian Stage, a key interval within the Late Cretaceous noted for extensive marine transgressions and the diversification of ammonites. The island of Hokkaido is one of the most significant fossil-rich regions in East Asia, with Campanian strata yielding rare and scientifically important ammonites. This location has provided paleontologists with crucial information about the evolutionary history and geographic distribution of Cretaceous cephalopods.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Lytoceratoidea
• Family: Gaudryceratidae
• Genus: Gaudryceras
• Species: Gaudryceras tenuiliratum

The genus Gaudryceras is named after the French paleontologist Albert Gaudry and is notable for its global distribution during the Late Cretaceous. The species tenuiliratum is one of the rarer members of this genus, highly prized for its distinctive shell features.

Morphological Features

Gaudryceras tenuiliratum is characterized by its elegantly coiled, involute shell, with whorls that display fine, closely spaced ribbing that runs longitudinally across the flanks. This delicate ribbing, reflected in the name “tenuiliratum” (meaning “finely ribbed”), gives the fossil a distinctive and graceful appearance. The shell typically maintains a smooth and rounded venter, and its streamlined form reflects adaptations for active swimming in open marine environments. These features make it instantly recognizable and particularly attractive for collectors.

Scientific and Paleontological Importance

Ammonites of the family Gaudryceratidae are considered important for understanding Cretaceous marine biostratigraphy. They are widely used as index fossils, helping geologists date and correlate marine strata across different continents. The rarity of Gaudryceras tenuiliratum, especially from the Campanian of Japan, adds to its significance, making this specimen both a scientifically valuable fossil and a highly sought-after collector’s piece.

Depositional Environment

During the Campanian, the region that is now Hokkaido was part of a vast marine basin connected to the Pacific Ocean. These seas were rich in plankton and supported a diverse ecosystem of ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, and marine reptiles. Fine-grained marine sediments allowed for the excellent preservation of delicate ammonite shells, enabling collectors and scientists alike to study their intricate details millions of years later.

Collector and Display Value

This very rare ammonite fossil is both scientifically important and visually striking. Its delicate ribbing and elegant shell form showcase the beauty of ammonite evolution. With its provenance from one of the most famous fossil regions in Japan, this specimen is an ideal acquisition for advanced fossil collectors, museums, or anyone seeking to own a tangible piece of Earth’s deep marine history.

Key Features

• Very rare Campanian ammonite fossil from Hokkaido, Japan.
• Species: Gaudryceras tenuiliratum, known for its fine ribbing and graceful form.
• Scientifically important as a biostratigraphic index fossil.
• Excellent preservation with natural detail.
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

This Gaudryceras tenuiliratum fossil ammonite represents a remarkable opportunity to own a truly rare specimen from the Late Cretaceous seas of Japan, combining natural beauty, rarity, and scientific importance.