Dumortieria Explanata Ammonite Fossil Jurassic France Genuine Specimen with COA Collector Display

Description

DUMORTIERIA EXPLANATA AMMONITE FOSSIL

This genuine Dumortieria explanata ammonite comes from Lac de Salagou in Hérault, southern France. Dating to the Upper Toarcian stage of the Lower Jurassic, it represents a marine cephalopod that lived approximately 174 to 182 million years ago. The fossil has been carefully selected for its natural character, and the photographs show the exact specimen that you will receive.

GEOLOGICAL AGE AND FRENCH ORIGIN

The Upper Toarcian formed the later part of the Early Jurassic, when broad warm seas covered much of western Europe. Marine sediment accumulated on the seabed while ammonites, belemnites and other invertebrates occupied the water column. After death, some ammonite shells settled into the sediment, were buried and gradually mineralised. Geological change and erosion later revealed the fossil-bearing rocks from which specimens such as this could be recovered.

Lac de Salagou is a striking geological locality in the Hérault department of France. The wider region preserves an exceptional record of changing environments through deep time. A named ammonite from this locality combines strong visual appeal with documented geological context, making it particularly suitable for collectors of European Jurassic fossils.

AMMONITE BIOLOGY AND SHELL MORPHOLOGY

Dumortieria was an extinct genus of marine cephalopod related to modern squid, cuttlefish and nautiluses. Its coiled shell contained a series of internal chambers. The living animal occupied the final outer chamber, while older sealed chambers helped regulate buoyancy in the Jurassic sea. Ammonites evolved rapidly and became widely distributed, so their fossils are valuable for correlating and dating marine rock layers.

Dumortieria ammonites are known for an evolute shell form in which earlier whorls remain comparatively visible, often accompanied by fine ribbing. The species explanata belongs to this distinctive late Toarcian group. On the present specimen, the surviving coil, natural matrix, texture and visible ornament offer a tangible record of the original shell. Every fossil is individual, and variations in preservation, mineral colour, attached rock and edge condition are authentic geological features.

Please examine all photographs carefully for the precise appearance and condition of this exact piece. Full sizing is provided in the measurement photograph, allowing its dimensions and display scale to be assessed accurately.

COLLECTING AND DISPLAY VALUE

This French ammonite is an appealing addition to a palaeontology collection focused on Jurassic marine life, ammonite evolution or regional European geology. Its identified species, Upper Toarcian age and Lac de Salagou provenance give it useful context for an organised study cabinet. It can also be used as an educational example of fossilisation, chambered shell construction, extinction and biostratigraphy. Displayed alone or alongside ammonites from other Jurassic stages, it provides a direct connection to an ancient marine ecosystem.

GENUINE SPECIMEN WITH CERTIFICATE

This is an authentic fossil, not a replica or cast. The exact specimen pictured is supplied and will be carefully packed to protect its natural features during delivery. It includes a generic Certificate of Authenticity card backed by our lifetime authenticity guarantee.