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Cardioceras cordatum Fossil Ammonite Middle Oxfordian Jurassic Authentic France Specimen

Cardioceras cordatum Fossil Ammonite Middle Oxfordian Jurassic Authentic France Specimen

£9.00

Genuine Cardioceras cordatum Ammonite Fossil from France

This is a superb Cardioceras cordatum ammonite fossil originating from the Middle Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period, dating to approximately 163–161 million years ago. Found in France, this ammonite represents an iconic species within the family Cardioceratidae, renowned for its striking shell morphology and importance as a stratigraphic marker. Each specimen is carefully chosen for its quality, and the fossil shown in the photographs is the exact one you will receive. Every purchase comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing the specimen’s provenance and genuineness.

Geological Context and Age

The Oxfordian Stage marks the beginning of the Late Jurassic and is a key period for ammonite development and diversification. During this time, shallow epicontinental seas spread across much of Europe, providing the ideal environment for ammonites to flourish. Fossils from the Oxfordian of France are internationally recognised for their exceptional preservation and scientific importance. Cardioceras cordatum is one of the most characteristic ammonites of the Middle Oxfordian, widely distributed across Europe and used as a reliable index fossil for this stage. Its presence allows geologists to date rock layers with precision, linking sedimentary formations across wide geographical regions.

Scientific Classification

  • Species: Cardioceras cordatum
  • Genus: Cardioceras
  • Family: Cardioceratidae
  • Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
  • Order: Ammonitida
  • Class: Cephalopoda
  • Age: Middle Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–161 million years ago)
  • Locality: France

Morphological Features

Cardioceras cordatum is renowned for its distinctive shell shape. The whorls are strongly ribbed, with ribs often bifurcating as they cross the flanks and continuing across the venter. The ribbing pattern gives the shell a bold, sculptured appearance that makes this ammonite highly attractive to both collectors and researchers. The name cordatum refers to its somewhat heart-shaped cross-section, a striking morphological trait that distinguishes it from closely related species. This ammonite lived as an agile, free-swimming predator in the Jurassic seas, likely feeding on smaller molluscs, crustaceans, and other marine organisms.

Stratigraphic and Paleontological Significance

As a key representative of the genus Cardioceras, C. cordatum is critical for biostratigraphy. It defines the Cordatum Biozone, which is a globally recognised interval within the Oxfordian. This makes it one of the most important ammonites for dating and correlating marine deposits from the Late Jurassic. Its abundance across Europe highlights both its ecological success and its wide geographic distribution in the Jurassic seas.

Depositional Environment

The French Oxfordian deposits in which Cardioceras cordatum is found represent shallow marine shelf environments. Fine sediments, often marls and limestones, buried the shells soon after death, preserving them with remarkable detail. These conditions were particularly favourable to ammonite fossilisation, capturing the intricate ribbing and overall form that make specimens from this region so highly prized.

Collector’s Appeal and Educational Value

Owning a specimen of Cardioceras cordatum offers both scientific and aesthetic value. For collectors, it is a chance to possess a fossil that is not only visually striking but also of major importance in Jurassic paleontology. For students and educators, this ammonite provides a tangible link to the Middle Oxfordian seas and a valuable teaching specimen that demonstrates ammonites as biostratigraphic tools. Its combination of rarity, historical significance, and natural beauty ensures that it stands out in any fossil collection.

Item Details

  • Type: Fossil Ammonite – Cardioceras cordatum
  • Geological Age: Middle Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–161 million years ago)
  • Origin: France
  • Notable Features: Bold ribbing, heart-shaped cross-section, classic Jurassic ammonite
  • Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (see photos for accurate sizing)
  • Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
  • Specimen: Exact fossil pictured is the one you will receive

A beautiful and scientifically significant Cardioceras cordatum ammonite fossil from France, perfect for collectors, enthusiasts, and educators.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: SF0853 Category:

Description

Genuine Cardioceras cordatum Ammonite Fossil from France

This is a superb Cardioceras cordatum ammonite fossil originating from the Middle Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period, dating to approximately 163–161 million years ago. Found in France, this ammonite represents an iconic species within the family Cardioceratidae, renowned for its striking shell morphology and importance as a stratigraphic marker. Each specimen is carefully chosen for its quality, and the fossil shown in the photographs is the exact one you will receive. Every purchase comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing the specimen’s provenance and genuineness.

Geological Context and Age

The Oxfordian Stage marks the beginning of the Late Jurassic and is a key period for ammonite development and diversification. During this time, shallow epicontinental seas spread across much of Europe, providing the ideal environment for ammonites to flourish. Fossils from the Oxfordian of France are internationally recognised for their exceptional preservation and scientific importance. Cardioceras cordatum is one of the most characteristic ammonites of the Middle Oxfordian, widely distributed across Europe and used as a reliable index fossil for this stage. Its presence allows geologists to date rock layers with precision, linking sedimentary formations across wide geographical regions.

Scientific Classification

  • Species: Cardioceras cordatum
  • Genus: Cardioceras
  • Family: Cardioceratidae
  • Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
  • Order: Ammonitida
  • Class: Cephalopoda
  • Age: Middle Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–161 million years ago)
  • Locality: France

Morphological Features

Cardioceras cordatum is renowned for its distinctive shell shape. The whorls are strongly ribbed, with ribs often bifurcating as they cross the flanks and continuing across the venter. The ribbing pattern gives the shell a bold, sculptured appearance that makes this ammonite highly attractive to both collectors and researchers. The name cordatum refers to its somewhat heart-shaped cross-section, a striking morphological trait that distinguishes it from closely related species. This ammonite lived as an agile, free-swimming predator in the Jurassic seas, likely feeding on smaller molluscs, crustaceans, and other marine organisms.

Stratigraphic and Paleontological Significance

As a key representative of the genus Cardioceras, C. cordatum is critical for biostratigraphy. It defines the Cordatum Biozone, which is a globally recognised interval within the Oxfordian. This makes it one of the most important ammonites for dating and correlating marine deposits from the Late Jurassic. Its abundance across Europe highlights both its ecological success and its wide geographic distribution in the Jurassic seas.

Depositional Environment

The French Oxfordian deposits in which Cardioceras cordatum is found represent shallow marine shelf environments. Fine sediments, often marls and limestones, buried the shells soon after death, preserving them with remarkable detail. These conditions were particularly favourable to ammonite fossilisation, capturing the intricate ribbing and overall form that make specimens from this region so highly prized.

Collector’s Appeal and Educational Value

Owning a specimen of Cardioceras cordatum offers both scientific and aesthetic value. For collectors, it is a chance to possess a fossil that is not only visually striking but also of major importance in Jurassic paleontology. For students and educators, this ammonite provides a tangible link to the Middle Oxfordian seas and a valuable teaching specimen that demonstrates ammonites as biostratigraphic tools. Its combination of rarity, historical significance, and natural beauty ensures that it stands out in any fossil collection.

Item Details

  • Type: Fossil Ammonite – Cardioceras cordatum
  • Geological Age: Middle Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–161 million years ago)
  • Origin: France
  • Notable Features: Bold ribbing, heart-shaped cross-section, classic Jurassic ammonite
  • Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (see photos for accurate sizing)
  • Authenticity: 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
  • Specimen: Exact fossil pictured is the one you will receive

A beautiful and scientifically significant Cardioceras cordatum ammonite fossil from France, perfect for collectors, enthusiasts, and educators.

Additional information

Era

Jurassic
Origin

France

Jurassic Information

The Jurassic Period (201–145 million years ago) was the golden age of dinosaurs, with iconic species like Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus dominating the land. It was a time of warm, humid climates, with high sea levels that created vast shallow seas, supporting abundant marine reptiles, ammonites, and early coral reefs. The first birds, such as Archaeopteryx, evolved from small theropod dinosaurs, while early mammals remained small and nocturnal. Lush forests of cycads, conifers, and ferns covered the land, providing food for giant herbivores. The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea accelerated, shaping Earth's geography and setting the stage for the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous.

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