Cardioceras zalasense Fossil Ammonite Oxfordian Jurassic Poland Genuine Authentic Specimen

Description

Authentic Cardioceras zalasense Ammonite Fossil from Zalas, Poland

This is a genuine Cardioceras zalasense ammonite fossil from the Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period, dating to around 160 million years ago. It was collected in the historic Zalas region of Poland, an area well known for its rich fossil-bearing limestone deposits. This fossil is not a replica or cast—it is an authentic piece of natural history. The specimen has been carefully selected and photographed so you can see the exact piece you will receive. Every fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its scientific and collectible value.

Geological Age and Origin

The Oxfordian Stage (163–157 million years ago) is part of the Late Jurassic and represents a period when warm, shallow seas covered much of Europe. The Zalas locality in Poland is one of the classic sites yielding ammonites from this time. These marine environments preserved ammonites in exceptional detail, making them invaluable for both collectors and researchers. Fossils from Zalas are internationally recognised for their high quality and their importance in understanding the ammonite faunas of Central Europe.

Scientific Classification

• Species: Cardioceras zalasense
• Genus: Cardioceras
• Family: Cardioceratidae
• Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Age: Oxfordian, Late Jurassic
• Locality: Zalas, Poland

Morphological Features

Cardioceras zalasense is a distinctive ammonite characterised by its strong ribbing and relatively involute shell. The ribs are typically prominent, sweeping outward across the whorls before curving across the venter. This ribbing pattern is diagnostic of the genus and helps distinguish C. zalasense from related species. The shell form reflects the adaptability of ammonites during the Jurassic, as they thrived in marine environments ranging from shallow lagoons to deeper offshore settings. The fossil displays the fine sculptural detail of the original shell, highlighting the artistry of nature preserved over millions of years.

Stratigraphic and Scientific Importance

Species of the genus Cardioceras are of particular importance in Jurassic stratigraphy. They serve as index fossils, allowing geologists to subdivide and correlate layers of Oxfordian age across Europe. Cardioceras zalasense in particular is significant to the Zalas region, where its occurrence has been studied in detail as part of the region’s ammonite zonation schemes. For paleontologists, this fossil provides evidence of the distribution and evolution of ammonites during the Late Jurassic. For collectors, it is a species with both scientific weight and aesthetic appeal.

Depositional Environment

The Zalas deposits where this ammonite was found represent shallow marine environments that flourished during the Jurassic. These seas were teeming with life, including ammonites, bivalves, gastropods, and marine reptiles. Ammonites such as Cardioceras zalasense were active, swimming cephalopods, related to modern squid and cuttlefish. Upon death, their shells settled on the seafloor and became buried by sediment, eventually fossilising into the limestone beds now exposed in Poland. The quality of preservation in Zalas reflects the fine-grained sediments that captured the details of these ammonites with remarkable clarity.

Collector and Display Value

This specimen is not only a scientifically important fossil but also an attractive display piece. The bold ribbing and Oxfordian age make it a highly collectible ammonite, while the fact that it comes from the historically significant Zalas region adds further value. For display, it represents a striking example of Jurassic marine life; for education, it is an authentic specimen that vividly demonstrates ammonite morphology and evolutionary history. Its authenticity is guaranteed with a certificate, and the fossil you see in the photographs is the exact one you will receive.

Item Details

• Type: Fossil Ammonite – Cardioceras zalasense
• Age: Oxfordian, Jurassic Period (~160 million years old)
• Location: Zalas, Poland
• Notable Features: Strong ribbing, classic Oxfordian ammonite species
• Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (see photo for exact size reference)
• Authenticity: Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Specimen: The exact fossil photographed is the specimen you will receive

An excellent opportunity to own a genuine Cardioceras zalasense ammonite fossil from the famous Jurassic deposits of Zalas, Poland.