Douvilleiceras Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Madagascar Authentic Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

This listing presents a genuine Douvilleiceras ammonite fossil from the Jurassic deposits of Madagascar, a region world-renowned for its beautifully preserved ammonites. These fossils provide not only a glimpse into the rich marine life of the Jurassic seas but also make stunning collector’s pieces due to their bold ribbing and robust shell structures.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and include a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares to confirm full sizing.

Geological Context and Age

The fossil originates from the Jurassic Period, which spanned approximately 201–145 million years ago. Madagascar’s Jurassic deposits formed when the island was part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana and lay along the margins of the Tethys Ocean. These seas were shallow, warm, and teeming with marine life, making them ideal for the flourishing of ammonites.

Ammonites are extinct marine molluscs belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea, close relatives of squid and octopuses. They were nektonic predators and played a vital role in Jurassic ecosystems. Madagascan Jurassic rocks are globally recognised for their diversity of ammonites, including the genus Douvilleiceras, which has become a favourite among collectors for its dramatic ribbing and shell structure.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

Douvilleiceras belongs to the family Douvilleiceratidae, within the superfamily Desmoceratoidea of the order Ammonitida. Members of this genus are noted for their robust, evolute shells where earlier whorls remain visible. The shells are heavily ornamented with thick ribs and tubercles (knob-like projections), giving them a textured and striking appearance.

These ribs sweep across the flanks and often cross the venter, reinforcing the structural strength of the shell. Such features may have served as both protection against predators and hydrodynamic stabilisation during swimming. The species within this genus are highly distinctive, which is why Douvilleiceras fossils are often used in stratigraphic studies to identify and date specific intervals of Jurassic rock.

Scientific Importance

Ammonites such as Douvilleiceras are crucial to biostratigraphy, the science of dating and correlating rock layers by fossil content. Their rapid evolutionary rates and widespread distribution mean they serve as excellent index fossils, allowing geologists to build accurate timelines of the Jurassic seas.

Specimens from Madagascar contribute significantly to the understanding of Jurassic palaeontology. The diversity and preservation quality of Madagascan ammonites make them a cornerstone for scientific study and provide invaluable reference material for fossil identification worldwide.

Collector and Display Value

This Douvilleiceras ammonite fossil from Madagascar is an eye-catching specimen, appreciated for its bold ribbing and dramatic ornamentation. Its natural beauty makes it an excellent display piece, whether mounted in a case, placed on a stand, or included in a curated collection.

Collectors of ammonites, Jurassic fossils, or Madagascan specimens will find this piece a superb addition to their collections. It also serves as an engaging educational specimen, offering students and enthusiasts a tangible link to Earth’s distant past and the fascinating marine ecosystems of the Jurassic seas.

Your Guarantee of Authenticity

• 100% genuine Douvilleiceras ammonite fossil from Madagascar
• Geological age: Jurassic Period (approx. 201–145 million years old)
• Family: Douvilleiceratidae, Order: Ammonitida
• Characterised by bold ribbing and robust shell morphology
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in photographs (no stock images used)
• Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm (see photos for precise sizing)

This Douvilleiceras ammonite fossil is both scientifically important and visually impressive. With its provenance from Madagascar, its authenticity guaranteed, and its striking morphology, it is a superb addition to any fossil collection.