Cardioceras ashtonense Fossil Ammonite Lower Oxfordian Jurassic France Genuine Specimen

Description

Authentic Cardioceras ashtonense Ammonite Fossil from France

This specimen is a genuine Cardioceras ashtonense ammonite fossil from the Lower Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period, dating to approximately 163–160 million years ago. Discovered at Neuvizy in the Ardennes, France, this piece represents a well-preserved and scientifically significant ammonite from a classic fossil locality. The fossil you see in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, and it will be supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete confidence.

Geological Context and Age

The Oxfordian Stage marks the beginning of the Late Jurassic and followed the Callovian. During this time, Europe was covered by shallow, warm seas that supported an abundance of ammonites and other marine life. The deposits at Neuvizy in the Ardennes region of France are especially rich in ammonite faunas, making them an important reference point for paleontologists studying Jurassic marine successions. This fossil represents a direct link to that dynamic environment more than 160 million years ago.

Scientific Classification

• Species: Cardioceras ashtonense
• Genus: Cardioceras
• Family: Cardioceratidae
• Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic Period
• Locality: Neuvizy, Ardennes, France

Morphological Features

Cardioceras ashtonense is characterised by a compressed, planispiral shell with prominent ribbing that radiates outward across the whorls. The ribbing often bifurcates, creating a striking and easily recognisable pattern. The whorls are moderately involute, with inner coils partially concealed by the outer shell, and the venter (outer margin) is generally rounded to slightly keeled. These diagnostic features not only make this ammonite a scientifically important species but also give it strong aesthetic appeal for collectors.

Biozone and Scientific Significance

Cardioceras ashtonense is an important index fossil for the Lower Oxfordian Stage, making it vital in biostratigraphy. Ammonites like this species allow geologists to correlate layers of rock across Europe with precision, providing a framework for understanding Jurassic stratigraphy and evolutionary patterns. Its occurrence in Neuvizy adds further value, as the locality has produced well-studied ammonite assemblages that contribute significantly to scientific knowledge of the Jurassic seas.

Depositional Environment

The Ardennes region during the Lower Oxfordian was submerged beneath a shallow, epicontinental sea. This marine setting was characterised by soft sediments that preserved marine organisms after death. Ammonites such as Cardioceras ashtonense lived actively in the water column, and after they died, their shells settled to the seafloor where they were gradually buried and mineralised, resulting in the fossil you see today. The fine preservation of the shell structure reflects the relatively stable depositional environment of these Jurassic seas.

Collector and Display Value

This specimen of Cardioceras ashtonense is a highly desirable ammonite fossil, prized both for its scientific importance and visual appeal. The strong ribbing and elegant shell form make it an impressive addition to any fossil collection or display. Its provenance from Neuvizy, a notable French Jurassic fossil site, adds rarity and value, ensuring it will appeal equally to serious collectors, students of geology, and enthusiasts of natural history.

Item Details

• Type: Fossil Ammonite – Cardioceras ashtonense
• Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic (approx. 163–160 million years old)
• Location: Neuvizy, Ardennes, France
• Notable Features: Strong ribbing, classic Oxfordian ammonite form
• Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (please see photo for full sizing)
• Authenticity: Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Specimen: The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive

An exceptional and scientifically valuable Jurassic ammonite fossil, offering a rare chance to own an authentic piece of geological history from the famous Oxfordian deposits of France.