Fossil Ammonite Oppelia Genuine Jurassic Lower Bajocian France Authentic Specimen

Description

Genuine Fossil Ammonite – Oppelia

This listing offers a beautifully preserved Fossil Ammonite of the genus Oppelia from the Lower Bajocian stage of the Middle Jurassic Period, discovered near Caen, France. Dating to approximately 170–168 million years ago, this specimen provides a fascinating insight into one of the most important groups of Jurassic ammonites. Its elegant shell morphology, combined with its scientific significance, makes it an ideal acquisition for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history.

The Genus – Oppelia

Oppelia belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Haplocerataceae, and Family Oppeliidae. Ammonites within this group are easily recognised by their smooth to finely ornamented shells, often with a compressed and streamlined form. Unlike heavily ribbed ammonites, Oppelia is typically more delicate in its external features, which is one reason they are highly regarded for both aesthetic and scientific purposes. As a representative genus of the Lower Bajocian biozones, Oppelia plays an important role in Jurassic stratigraphy.

Geological Context – Lower Bajocian, Jurassic Period

This ammonite originates from the Lower Bajocian stage, an interval of the Middle Jurassic dated to around 170–168 million years ago. At that time, the region of Caen, Normandy (France) was submerged beneath shallow seas that were part of the European epicontinental seaway. These warm marine environments supported thriving ecosystems, and the fine marine sediments of the area were ideal for fossil preservation. The deposits near Caen are internationally recognised for their well-preserved ammonites, providing important material for paleontological research.

Morphological Features of the Fossil

This Oppelia ammonite fossil exhibits several characteristic traits of the genus:

• Planispiral shell coiling, tightly wound with symmetry typical of ammonites.
• Compressed whorl section, creating a slender, elegant form.
• Smooth to faintly ornamented shell surface, distinguishing Oppelia from more heavily ribbed ammonite lineages.
• Visible sutures, intricate lines marking the junctions of internal chambers, which are a key diagnostic feature of ammonites in the family Oppeliidae.

The fossil is presented with a 1 cm scale cube in the accompanying photographs, ensuring precise measurement reference. The specimen shown is the exact fossil you will receive, chosen for its preservation, detail, and scientific significance.

Scientific Importance

Ammonites such as Oppelia are critical as index fossils, enabling geologists to date and correlate Jurassic rock layers across Europe. Their rapid evolutionary changes and wide geographic distribution allow paleontologists to refine the stratigraphic framework of the Bajocian stage. The genus Oppelia is particularly important in defining Lower Bajocian ammonite zones, making specimens from Caen especially valuable for both research and private collections.

Provenance and Authenticity

• Genus: Oppelia
• Age: Lower Bajocian, Middle Jurassic (~170–168 million years old)
• Locality: Caen, Normandy, France
• Family: Oppeliidae
• Superfamily: Haplocerataceae
• Order: Ammonitida

Every fossil we sell is guaranteed to be 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, providing peace of mind and ensuring that your specimen is scientifically and historically accurate.

Why This Fossil is Exceptional

• A well-preserved Oppelia ammonite from a classic French Jurassic locality.
• Represents an important index fossil of the Lower Bajocian stage.
• Elegant, streamlined morphology with clearly visible structural features.
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its genuineness.

This Oppelia ammonite fossil is a superb example of Jurassic paleontology, uniting scientific significance with natural beauty. It is a worthy addition to any fossil collection, educational display, or natural history exhibit.