Turrilites Fossil Value Guide

The Turrilites fossil is a remarkable heteromorph ammonite from the Cretaceous period, distinguished by its unique tower-like helical spiral. Unlike standard flat-coiled ammonites, these French specimens serve as vital index fossils for dating marine strata between 100 and 93 million years ago.

What Is Turrilites Fossil Worth?

The typical price range for Turrilites Fossil is $180 - $200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The preservation of the helical structure and the sharpness of the internal mold details.
• Overall size and the completeness of the tower-like spiral sections.
• The quality of the mineralization, specifically the presence of attractive calcite crystals.
• Market demand for Cretaceous heteromorphs, with typical specimens valued between $180 and $200.

How to Identify Turrilites Fossil?

• Look for the distinct screw-like or helical internal mold shape rather than a flat disc.
• Examine the specimen for mineralized sediment composition, typically limestone or calcite from French deposits.
• Check for the characteristic turreted whorls that mimic the appearance of a large sea snail shell.
• Verify the presence of ribbing or tubercles along the spiral, which are common features of this genus.

History of Turrilites Fossil

Turrilites were a genus of helically coiled ammonites that lived during the Cretaceous period. Unlike most ammonites that coiled in a flat plane, Turrilites grew in a tower-like spiral, resembling sea snails. These cephalopods are key index fossils for dating marine strata from approximately 100 to 93 million years ago.