Description
This is a well-preserved Cardioceras buckowskii ammonite fossil from the Lower Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period (approximately 163–160 million years ago). It was collected in Villiers-sur-Mer, France, a renowned fossil site located along the Normandy coast, celebrated for its rich Jurassic marine deposits. This specimen, with its distinctive ribbing and elegant whorl structure, is a classic example of an ammonite that played an important role in Jurassic stratigraphy. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for precise measurement. All of our specimens are 100% genuine and come complete with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Context
The fossil originates from the Lower Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period, part of the Upper Jurassic sequence. During this time, the Villiers-sur-Mer coastline formed part of a shallow epicontinental sea that covered much of Europe. The calm marine environment, dominated by fine-grained sedimentation, provided excellent preservation conditions for ammonites and other marine life.
Cardioceras buckowskii belongs to the family Cardioceratidae, within the superfamily Perisphinctoidea and the order Ammonitida. These ammonites were widespread during the Oxfordian and are of particular importance to geologists because they serve as index fossils, allowing precise correlation of Jurassic strata across Europe and beyond. The species is often associated with the Cardioceras cordatum Zone, a key biozone in Jurassic stratigraphy.
Morphological Features
The features of this Cardioceras buckowskii fossil demonstrate the typical characteristics of the genus:
- Shell Coiling: Involute coiling with inner whorls partly concealed.
- Ribbing: Prominent, sharp ribs radiating from the umbilicus and extending across the flanks, often bifurcating as they cross the shell.
- Keel: A well-defined keel running along the venter, giving the ammonite a streamlined appearance.
- Whorl Section: Compressed and ornamented, with high rib density enhancing its aesthetic and scientific value.
- Sutures: Complex suture lines may be visible, showing the intricate internal structure typical of advanced ammonites.
These features provide important clues about the ammonite’s ecology and its adaptations as a fast-moving nektonic predator in the Jurassic seas.
Collector and Scientific Value
This specimen is not only a beautiful display fossil but also an important biostratigraphic marker. Its presence in Jurassic deposits helps geologists establish the relative age of strata, refine the Oxfordian timeline, and understand the evolutionary pathways of ammonites.
For collectors, a fossil like this holds multiple appeals:
- Historical significance from a renowned Normandy locality.
- Scientific importance as an index fossil of the Oxfordian stage.
- Visual beauty with sharp ribbing and well-preserved morphology.
- Guaranteed authenticity, making it suitable for both private and educational collections.
Key Details
- Species: Cardioceras buckowskii
- Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–160 million years old)
- Location: Villiers-sur-Mer, Normandy, France
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Features: Prominent ribbing, keel, compressed whorl, intricate sutures
- Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
- Scale Reference: 1 cm cube visible in photos for accurate size
This authentic Cardioceras buckowskii ammonite fossil from Villiers-sur-Mer is a scientifically significant and visually striking specimen. With its strong ribbing and distinctive Jurassic features, it makes a superb addition to any fossil collection and an exceptional piece of natural history.
Scale cube = 1 cm. Please refer to photographs for full sizing.
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