Berriasella privasensis Ammonite Fossil Tithonian Cretaceous Switzerland Genuine Certified Specimen

Description

Authentic Berriasella privasensis Ammonite Fossil from Switzerland

This listing offers a rare and genuine Berriasella privasensis ammonite fossil from the Tithonian stage, preserved within the transitional deposits leading into the Early Cretaceous in Switzerland. Formed approximately 152–145 million years ago, this fossil represents the closing chapter of the Jurassic seas and the evolutionary bridge into the Cretaceous. Every specimen is carefully chosen for its preservation, detail, and authenticity, with photographs showing the exact piece you will receive. For full sizing, please refer to the 1 cm scale cube in the images. Each ammonite is sold with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Depositional Environment

The Tithonian stage is the final stage of the Late Jurassic and directly precedes the Berriasian, the earliest stage of the Cretaceous. During this period, much of present-day Switzerland lay beneath shallow marine environments connected to the Tethys Ocean. These seas were rich with ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, and marine reptiles, forming a thriving ecosystem. The preservation of Berriasella within these deposits allows scientists to reconstruct ancient ocean conditions, sedimentation patterns, and faunal turnovers that marked the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary.

Scientific Classification

• Class: Cephalopoda
• Subclass: Ammonoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Family: Neocomitidae
• Genus: Berriasella
• Species: Berriasella privasensis

The genus Berriasella is highly significant in biostratigraphy, particularly in marking the transition from the Jurassic into the Early Cretaceous. Its distinctive morphology and stratigraphic range make it a valuable tool for geologists in correlating rock layers across Europe and beyond.

Morphological Features

The Berriasella privasensis ammonite is recognised for its relatively compressed, discoidal shell with strong ribbing that radiates from the umbilicus to the outer whorl. Its whorls are typically evolute, exposing much of the earlier coils and giving the fossil a broad appearance. The ribs are well-defined and may bifurcate as they extend across the flanks, converging at the venter to create a rhythmic ornamentation. This ribbing not only served as a structural reinforcement but also played a role in hydrodynamics as the animal moved through ancient seas.

Palaeontological Significance

Ammonites such as Berriasella privasensis are regarded as important index fossils. Their relatively short evolutionary lifespan and wide geographic distribution make them crucial for accurately dating Tithonian deposits. They are particularly valuable in studies of the Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary, a time of significant faunal change and environmental shifts. Fossils of this species from Switzerland contribute to a deeper understanding of the marine ecosystems and evolutionary pathways of ammonites during one of the most critical intervals in Earth’s history.

Collector and Display Value

This Berriasella privasensis ammonite fossil is a scientifically important and visually striking specimen, combining strong ribbed ornamentation with historical context from one of the most studied transitional periods in palaeontology. Its aesthetic shell structure and rarity from Switzerland make it highly desirable for fossil collectors, educational institutions, and display in private collections.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. This carefully chosen ammonite is more than just a fossil—it is a remarkable piece of Earth’s evolutionary history, preserving the beauty and scientific value of the seas that existed over 150 million years ago.