Crassiceras latum Ammonite Fossil Upper Aalenian Jurassic France Genuine Certified Specimen

Description

Genuine Crassiceras latum Ammonite Fossil from France

This listing offers a Crassiceras latum ammonite fossil from the Upper Aalenian stage of the Jurassic period, discovered in France. This beautifully preserved specimen represents an important ammonite from the Middle Jurassic seas of Europe. Each piece has been carefully selected for its quality, natural preservation, and scientific interest. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, shown alongside a 1cm scale cube for accurate sizing. As with all our items, this ammonite comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming that it is a genuine and unique fossil.

Geological Age and Origin

The fossil dates to the Upper Aalenian stage of the Middle Jurassic, approximately 171–174 million years ago. During this period, Europe was characterised by warm, shallow seas that supported a diverse range of marine life. Sediments from these seas eventually formed limestone and marl deposits that preserved countless ammonites, bivalves, and marine reptiles.

The Aalenian stage represents an important part of the Jurassic timescale, sitting between the Toarcian and Bajocian stages. Fossils like Crassiceras latum serve as significant tools for understanding the evolutionary transition of ammonite lineages during this period of dynamic environmental change.

Taxonomy and Classification

The genus Crassiceras belongs to the family Graphoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea, order Ammonitida. The species Crassiceras latum is notable for its diagnostic features, which allow paleontologists to identify and classify it with confidence. These ammonites played a key role in biostratigraphy, helping to define Aalenian biozones across Europe.

Morphological Features

Crassiceras latum is characterised by its relatively robust, moderately involute shell form with strong ribbing. The ribs are generally thick and pronounced, often extending across the flanks and onto the venter. This ribbing provided structural strength to the shell and is an important distinguishing feature for the genus. The whorl section is typically compressed to subquadrate, contributing to its distinctive appearance.

The ribbing and shell morphology not only serve as classification markers but also give the fossil a striking aesthetic quality that appeals to collectors. These structural adaptations also reflect the ammonite’s evolutionary response to its marine environment, enabling it to regulate buoyancy and manoeuvre effectively through Jurassic seas.

Scientific Significance

Crassiceras latum is an important index fossil for the Upper Aalenian stage, aiding geologists and paleontologists in correlating rock layers across different regions of Europe. Its presence helps define the stratigraphy of the period, and specimens such as this one provide valuable insights into paleoenvironmental conditions, faunal turnover, and evolutionary trends.

The fossil’s origin in France is particularly significant, as the region has long been recognised for its exceptional Jurassic fossil record. Many classic stratigraphic sections in France have yielded ammonites that have helped refine the geological timescale, making this specimen part of a broader scientific heritage.

Provenance and Authenticity

This fossil was sourced from France, one of the most important localities for Middle Jurassic ammonites. Each specimen is carefully chosen for its preservation, authenticity, and display quality. Every fossil is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring that you are purchasing a 100% genuine piece of natural history.

A Unique Collectible Piece

This Crassiceras latum ammonite fossil is ideal for fossil collectors, geology enthusiasts, and natural history lovers. Its combination of scientific significance, aesthetic appeal, and excellent preservation makes it a standout specimen. It also serves as a powerful educational tool, illustrating the diversity and adaptability of ammonites during the Jurassic period.

Owning this ammonite allows you to hold a piece of Earth’s deep history in your hands, a fossil that tells the story of marine life over 170 million years ago in the ancient seas of Europe.