Description
Rare Creniceras renggeri Ammonite Fossil from France
This listing features a rare Creniceras renggeri ammonite fossil from the Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period, discovered in Roseureux, France. Dating back around 160 million years, this specimen represents a remarkable piece of natural history from one of Europe’s most fossil-rich regions. The photographs provided show the exact ammonite you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for precise size reference.
Every ammonite in our collection is a 100% genuine fossil specimen, and each piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete peace of mind. This is not a reproduction or cast, but a carefully selected fossil chosen for its scientific value, geological significance, and collector appeal.
Geological Setting – Oxfordian Stage, Jurassic Period
The Oxfordian stage marks the beginning of the Late Jurassic, spanning approximately 163.5 to 157.3 million years ago. During this time, much of present-day France was submerged beneath shallow epicontinental seas. The region around Roseureux developed sedimentary deposits rich in marine life, which created the perfect conditions for the preservation of ammonite shells such as this specimen of Creniceras renggeri.
These marine deposits provide crucial insights into the paleoenvironments of the Jurassic, when Europe’s seas were home to abundant ammonites, marine reptiles, echinoids, and bivalves. Ammonites from this time serve as important biostratigraphic markers, allowing geologists to precisely date rock layers across Europe and beyond.
Scientific Classification
- Species: Creniceras renggeri
- Family: Aspidoceratidae
- Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Geological Stage: Oxfordian, Jurassic
- Locality: Roseureux, France
Morphological Features
The genus Creniceras is known for its distinct ribbing and shell form, and Creniceras renggeri is one of its best-recognised species. Key features of this ammonite often include:
- Strong ribbing running across the whorls, giving the shell a striking and sculptured appearance.
- A compressed, discoidal shell form, typical of many Oxfordian ammonites.
- Ornamentation that includes subtle tubercles or nodules along the ribs, enhancing its texture and profile.
- Complex suture lines visible in well-preserved specimens, which reflect the intricate internal chamber divisions of ammonites.
These traits not only aid in species identification but also give the fossil significant aesthetic appeal for collectors.
Paleoecological Significance
As with other ammonites, Creniceras renggeri was a nektonic marine predator, moving actively through the warm shallow seas of the Jurassic period. Its chambered shell enabled buoyancy control, allowing it to navigate different parts of the water column. It likely preyed on small crustaceans, molluscs, and juvenile fish.
The robust ribbing and ornamentation seen in this genus may have served multiple functions – reinforcing the shell structure, deterring predators, and perhaps even playing a hydrodynamic role in swimming. Fossils like this not only provide a direct connection to ancient life but also contribute to our broader understanding of cephalopod evolution.
Collector and Display Value
This rare Creniceras renggeri ammonite is an outstanding addition for fossil collectors, palaeontology enthusiasts, and anyone with a passion for natural history. With its distinct morphology, geological significance, and provenance from the Oxfordian deposits of Roseureux, it stands as both a scientifically valuable specimen and a beautiful display piece.
Whether showcased in a private collection, used for educational purposes, or admired as a decorative natural artefact, this ammonite offers a tangible link to the Jurassic seas of 160 million years ago. Its authenticity is guaranteed, and its rarity makes it a prized acquisition for any fossil enthusiast.
Key Details
- Fossil Type: Ammonite
- Species: Creniceras renggeri
- Age: Oxfordian Stage, Jurassic (c. 160 million years old)
- Origin: Roseureux, France
- Distinctive ribbed and sculptured morphology
- Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Photographed with 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing
This Creniceras renggeri ammonite fossil is a rare and remarkable specimen, offering an authentic connection to the Jurassic seas and an essential addition to any serious fossil collection.
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