Description
This listing offers a genuine fossil ammonite, Nequeniceras steinmanni, from the Callovian stage of the Jurassic Period (approximately 166–163 million years ago). Collected in Belgium, this specimen represents an important ammonite of the Middle Jurassic, carefully selected for its preservation, detail, and display quality. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive. Scale rule squares / cube = 1 cm – please refer to the images for accurate sizing. All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Context: Callovian of the Jurassic
The Callovian stage forms part of the Middle Jurassic and is a crucial interval for understanding ammonite evolution and biostratigraphy. During this time, much of Europe, including what is now Belgium, was covered by shallow seas linked to the Tethys Ocean. These seas provided ideal environments for marine life, with fine clays and limestones accumulating to form richly fossiliferous deposits.
Ammonites are particularly abundant and diverse in Callovian sediments, with many species, including Nequeniceras steinmanni, serving as important index fossils. Their presence allows geologists to correlate rock layers across Europe, refining the stratigraphic framework of the Jurassic.
The Species: Nequeniceras steinmanni
Nequeniceras steinmanni belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Stephanoceratoidea, and family Stephanoceratidae. Members of this group are recognised for their ornamented shells with strong ribbing and detailed suture lines, making them both scientifically significant and visually striking.
The shell of N. steinmanni typically displays pronounced ribs that extend across the whorls, often bifurcating and creating a distinctive pattern. These morphological features not only aided in identification but also provided structural strength to the shell. The ammonite was a nektonic predator, actively swimming in open waters and feeding on smaller marine organisms such as molluscs and crustaceans.
As a diagnostic species of the Callovian, Nequeniceras steinmanni is frequently used to define biozones within Middle Jurassic stratigraphy, making it a highly valuable reference fossil for paleontologists.
Morphological and Scientific Features
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Family: Stephanoceratidae
- Genus and Species: Nequeniceras steinmanni
- Geological Stage: Callovian, Middle Jurassic (c. 166–163 Ma)
- Locality: Belgium
- Shell Traits: Strong ribbing, planispiral form, bifurcating ribs, complex suture patterns
- Scientific Significance: Index fossil for Middle Jurassic biozones and stratigraphy
The distinctive ribbing and ornamentation of Nequeniceras steinmanni make it a key ammonite for stratigraphic studies while also enhancing its appeal as a collector’s fossil.
Collector and Display Value
This ammonite is both a scientifically significant fossil and a visually impressive collector’s specimen. Its strong ribbing and elegant Jurassic coiling highlight the beauty of natural history, while its role as an index fossil underscores its scientific importance.
Specimens from Belgium’s Jurassic deposits are highly regarded for their preservation and provide a direct link to the marine ecosystems of the Middle Jurassic. Owning this fossil offers an opportunity to hold a genuine piece of Earth’s history that shaped our understanding of Jurassic paleontology.
Every specimen is carefully selected and is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing that you receive a genuine fossil. This Nequeniceras steinmanni ammonite is a rare and desirable piece, perfect for collectors, educators, or as a striking natural display item.
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