Darellia recticostata Ammonite Fossil Aalenian Jurassic Vervins France Rare Find | Hauts-de-France Genuine Collector Specimen

Description

Genuine Darellia recticostata Ammonite Fossil

This carefully selected fossil is a genuine Darellia recticostata ammonite from Vervins in Hauts-de-France, France. It dates to the Aalenian stage, the opening part of the Middle Jurassic. The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, allowing its natural form, preservation, colour, matrix and visible fossil detail to be examined before purchase. Please refer to the photographs for full sizing and scale.

Aalenian Middle Jurassic Geology

The Aalenian Age lasted from approximately 174 to 170 million years ago. During this interval, northern France lay beside warm marine waters that spread across broad shelves and shallow basins. Mud, sand and carbonate-rich sediment accumulated on the seabed, preserving ammonites, belemnites, bivalves and other organisms.

Ammonites are among the most useful fossils for dating Jurassic marine rocks. Their lineages evolved rapidly, individual species commonly existed for restricted intervals and shells could be distributed across wide marine regions. Palaeontologists compare characteristic ammonite assemblages to recognise biozones and correlate strata between separate localities.

Darellia recticostata

Darellia is an extinct ammonite genus within the order Ammonitida. Ammonites were marine cephalopods related to living squid, octopus and nautilus. Their coiled shells were internally divided into chambers. The animal occupied the outer body chamber, while sealed earlier chambers helped regulate buoyancy.

Identification of Darellia species considers shell coiling, whorl proportions, umbilical width, ribbing and the form of the outer margin. The name recticostata refers to the character of the ribs, an important part of the shell ornament used in ammonite identification. Its named species and Aalenian age give this specimen scientific context beyond its visual appeal.

Fossil preservation varies naturally. A specimen may retain original shell material, mineral replacement, an external impression or an internal mould produced when sediment entered the shell before burial. Matrix, worn surfaces, fractures and irregular edges reflect fossilisation, compaction and later geological exposure. These authentic features are part of the specimen rather than manufactured defects.

Vervins and Hauts-de-France

Vervins lies in the Aisne department of northern France. The wider Hauts-de-France region includes sedimentary rocks that preserve evidence of repeated marine incursions and changing environments through the Jurassic. Fossils from these deposits help geologists compare northern French strata with equivalent successions in Belgium, Britain and elsewhere in western Europe.

A Darellia ammonite from Vervins represents an extinct cephalopod that lived in a Jurassic sea more than 170 million years ago. After death, burial in seabed sediment protected part of its shell long enough for mineralisation and fossilisation to occur. Later uplift, erosion and discovery returned that ancient record to the surface.

Actual Specimen for Collection or Display

You will receive the exact fossil shown in the photographs. Its named species, Aalenian age and Vervins provenance make it suitable for a specialist ammonite collection, geological study, educational display, natural-history cabinet or a distinctive French fossil gift. The photographs are the definitive guide to this individual specimen’s condition and appearance.

Certificate of Authenticity

The fossil includes a generic Certificate of Authenticity card carrying a lifetime guarantee of authenticity. Handle it carefully and avoid soaking, harsh cleaning chemicals, excessive humidity and sudden temperature changes. Display it on a stable support so natural edges, matrix and any exposed shell ornament remain protected.