Description
Genuine Cardioceras (Maltoniceras) maltonense Fossil Ammonite
This specimen is a Cardioceras (Maltoniceras) maltonense fossil ammonite from the Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period, discovered at Amsgrove, United Kingdom. Dating back around 163–157 million years, this fossil is an authentic relic of Earth’s ancient marine ecosystems. Every ammonite we offer is a genuine, carefully selected piece, and this specimen comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing reference.
Geological Context and Age
The ammonite originates from the Oxfordian Stage of the Late Jurassic, a period marked by extensive shallow seas covering much of what is now Britain. These warm marine environments supported an abundance of ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles, forming ecosystems of remarkable diversity.
The Oxfordian is a significant stratigraphic division, known for its rich ammonite zones that allow scientists to date rock layers with precision. Cardioceras (Maltoniceras) maltonense is one of the most important index fossils from this stage, providing paleontologists with a tool for biostratigraphic correlation across northern Europe. Its presence is critical for mapping the distribution of Jurassic marine sediments.
Scientific Classification
- Species: Cardioceras (Maltoniceras) maltonense
- Genus: Cardioceras
- Subgenus: Maltoniceras
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Age: Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–157 million years ago)
- Locality: Amsgrove, United Kingdom
Morphology and Distinctive Features
Cardioceras (Maltoniceras) maltonense is distinguished by its strongly ribbed, evolute shell with wide-spaced primary ribs that bifurcate into secondary ribs across the outer whorl. The ribbing produces a bold ornamental appearance, characteristic of the Cardioceratidae.
The whorls are typically compressed with a moderately sharp keel along the venter, a feature that aided hydrodynamic stability while swimming. The sutures are highly complex, reflecting the advanced evolutionary adaptations of Late Jurassic ammonites. These morphological details make it both scientifically valuable and visually striking, appealing to both researchers and fossil collectors.
Paleoenvironment and Life Mode
During the Oxfordian, ammonites such as Cardioceras maltonense thrived in shallow epicontinental seas. They were nektonic predators, moving through the water column using jet propulsion, and their chambered shells allowed them to control buoyancy with remarkable efficiency. Their diet likely included small fish, crustaceans, and planktonic organisms.
The sediments at Amsgrove provided an excellent depositional environment for fossil preservation. Rapid burial within fine-grained marine sediments helped protect delicate shell structures from erosion and scavenging, preserving the fine ribbing and suture lines we see today.
Collectability and Importance
This Cardioceras maltonense fossil ammonite from Amsgrove represents an exceptional addition to any collection, whether for academic, display, or investment purposes. Its value lies not only in its striking visual form but also in its role as an important Oxfordian index fossil.
- Type: Fossil Ammonite – Cardioceras (Maltoniceras) maltonense
- Geological Stage: Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–157 million years ago)
- Provenance: Amsgrove, United Kingdom
- Scale Reference: 1 cm cube shown in photos
- Authenticity: Guaranteed genuine with Certificate of Authenticity
- Specimen Guarantee: The exact fossil pictured is the one you will receive
A beautiful and scientifically significant ammonite, this specimen brings the Jurassic seas vividly to life, offering collectors a chance to own a tangible piece of natural history over 160 million years old.
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