6.5″ Lissoceratoides erato Fossil Ammonite – Upper Callovian Stage, Jurassic – Caen, France – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

This listing features a rare and striking 6.5-inch fossil ammonite of the species Lissoceratoides erato from the Upper Callovian Stage of the Jurassic period, found in the historical fossil-rich region of Caen, France. This scientifically important and visually beautiful piece comes from the well-known Alice Purnell Collection, celebrated for its high-quality and meticulously catalogued fossil specimens.

Lissoceratoides erato is an extinct ammonite belonging to the Haplocerataceae superfamily, known for its smooth shell surface, tightly coiled whorls, and delicate suture lines. This genus lived approximately 166–163 million years ago, during a time when the region of modern-day Normandy was submerged beneath a shallow epicontinental sea, teeming with life.

This specimen exhibits excellent preservation of the shell form, with a graceful spiral and distinctive profile, making it ideal for collectors, educators, or anyone interested in the deep history of life on Earth.

Geological Context: The Upper Callovian Stage is a part of the Middle to Late Jurassic transition, characterised by high sea levels and an abundance of marine fauna. The sedimentary deposits around Caen, Normandy provide a rich fossil record, especially of ammonites, which serve as biostratigraphic markers used to date marine rock layers. These conditions were ideal for the fossilisation of organisms like Lissoceratoides.

Key Details:

• Species: Lissoceratoides erato (Ammonite)
• Fossil Type: Extinct marine cephalopod
• Age: Upper Callovian Stage, Jurassic (~166–163 million years ago)
• Location Found: Caen, France
• Provenance: From the Alice Purnell Collection
• Size: Approx. 6.5 inches – see 1cm scale cube in photo
• Condition: Excellent preservation with natural shell curvature and details
• Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Photo: The exact specimen shown is what you will receive

Scientific & Display Value: Fossils like Lissoceratoides erato offer insight into the evolution and distribution of ammonites during the Jurassic period. Their smooth shells contrast dramatically with the heavily ribbed ammonites of other groups, offering visual diversity in any fossil display. With its provenance from the respected Alice Purnell Collection, this ammonite also carries historical and scientific significance.

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

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Add a rare and beautifully preserved marine fossil to your collection with this authentic 6.5″ Lissoceratoides erato fossil ammonite from Caen, France.