Description
Genuine Ataxioceras planula Ammonite Fossil
This listing is for a genuine Ataxioceras planula ammonite fossil from Gräfenberg, Bavaria, Germany. Dating to the Upper Jurassic, Kimmeridgian Stage, and specifically associated with the Planula Zone, this carefully chosen fossil represents an authentic marine cephalopod from the ancient Jurassic seas of southern Germany. The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive, allowing you to view the fossil’s natural preservation, shell form, surface texture, colour, matrix and overall character before purchase.
This fossil is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming that it is a genuine specimen. Full sizing details can be seen in the photo.
Fossil Type and Species
Ataxioceras planula is an ammonite, an extinct shelled marine cephalopod related to modern squid, octopus and cuttlefish. Ammonites are among the most collectable fossils from the Jurassic Period, admired for their spiral shells and valued scientifically because many species are useful for dating and correlating ancient rock layers.
The ammonite shell was divided internally into chambers. The living animal occupied the final body chamber, while earlier chambers helped regulate buoyancy as it moved through the water column. As the animal grew, it added new chambers, forming the coiled planispiral shell that makes ammonites so distinctive.
Ataxioceras is a Jurassic ammonite genus commonly associated with ribbed, evolute shell forms. The shell often shows visible whorls and ornamented ribs, features that make these fossils attractive for display and useful for palaeontological identification. The genus belongs to the order Ammonitida, a major ammonite group that flourished during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
Upper Jurassic Kimmeridgian Age
This specimen dates from the Kimmeridgian Stage of the Upper Jurassic, approximately 157 to 152 million years old. The Kimmeridgian was a time of widespread shallow marine environments across Europe, with warm seas covering large areas of what is now Germany. These seas supported diverse ecosystems including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, brachiopods, gastropods, echinoids, sponges, fish and marine reptiles.
The Planula Zone gives this fossil particularly useful geological context. Ammonite zones are important divisions of geological time based on characteristic ammonite faunas. Because ammonites evolved rapidly and spread widely through ancient seas, they are excellent guide fossils. A specimen from the Planula Zone is therefore not only attractive, but also tied to a specific interval within the Upper Jurassic.
Gräfenberg, Bavaria Locality
This fossil comes from Gräfenberg in Bavaria, Germany, an area within southern Germany’s famous Jurassic fossil region. Bavaria is internationally known for its fossil-bearing limestones and marine Jurassic deposits, which have produced a wide range of ammonites and other ancient sea life. Fossils from this region are popular with collectors because they combine strong European locality data, excellent geological context and classic Jurassic age.
A labelled ammonite from Gräfenberg makes an excellent addition to a collection focused on German fossils, Bavarian fossils, Upper Jurassic ammonites, Kimmeridgian fossils or European natural history specimens. The locality adds both scientific and display value, especially for collectors who appreciate fossils with precise provenance.
Ammonite Morphology and Natural Features
Ataxioceras planula ammonites are known for their coiled shell form and ribbed ornamentation. Depending on the preservation of the individual specimen, visible features may include an open spiral shell, whorl detail, curved ribs, branching rib patterns, chamber traces, natural matrix, mineralisation and surface texture. These features reflect the original shell architecture of the animal and the fossilisation processes that preserved it for millions of years.
As with all genuine fossils, each specimen is unique. Natural variations in colour, preservation, matrix, surface detail, compression, mineral staining and edge condition are part of the fossil’s individual character. These features make the specimen a distinctive piece of ancient Jurassic marine life rather than a manufactured or mass-produced display item.
Collecting and Display Appeal
This Ataxioceras planula ammonite fossil is ideal for collectors of Jurassic ammonites, German fossils, Bavarian fossils, Kimmeridgian fossils, Planula Zone ammonites and natural history display specimens. It would make an excellent addition to a fossil cabinet, geology collection, educational display, school teaching set or natural history gift.
The fossil has been carefully chosen and photographed so the buyer can clearly see the actual specimen being supplied. Its appeal comes from the combination of genuine authenticity, named species, precise ammonite zone, Upper Jurassic age and desirable German locality.
Authenticity and Presentation
This is a 100% genuine fossil specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The listing photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive, and full sizing can be checked from the photo. The fossil is suitable for display, study, collecting or gifting.
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