Fossil Ammonite Paroniceras sternale Upper Toarcian Jurassic Le Clapier France

Description

Authentic Paroniceras sternale Ammonite Fossil

This listing offers a genuine Paroniceras sternale ammonite fossil from the Upper Toarcian stage of the Jurassic Period, approximately 182–174 million years old. The specimen originates from Le Clapier, France, a locality long celebrated by paleontologists for its rich Toarcian fossil deposits. This ammonite has been carefully chosen and photographed so that you can see the actual fossil you will receive, with a scale cube of 1 cm included for size reference. Each specimen comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing that this is a 100% genuine fossil.

Geological Context

The Upper Toarcian stage forms part of the Early Jurassic, a time when large parts of Western Europe were covered by shallow epicontinental seas. The Le Clapier region preserves these ancient marine environments in remarkable detail, providing beautifully fossilized ammonites. Paroniceras sternale is a key ammonite species for this stage, making it important for both collectors and researchers interested in Jurassic stratigraphy.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Family: Hammatoceratidae
• Genus: Paroniceras
• Species: Paroniceras sternale

Morphological Features

This species of ammonite is noted for its planispiral coiling with a moderately compressed shell. The whorls are typically ornamented with ribbing that may bifurcate and curve gently as they extend toward the venter. These ribs provided strength to the shell and are a key diagnostic feature for paleontologists. The venter (outer rim) of Paroniceras sternale is often rounded to slightly keeled, a trait that reflects its adaptation to active swimming in open waters. The fine ribbing and elegant proportions make this ammonite both scientifically important and visually striking.

Paleoenvironment and Ecology

During the Toarcian, seas were warm and rich in nutrients, creating thriving marine ecosystems. Ammonites such as Paroniceras sternale were nektonic predators, hunting small crustaceans, plankton, and other invertebrates. Their shells served as both protective armor and buoyancy devices, allowing them to maneuver through the water column efficiently. The Le Clapier region, now inland France, was once part of a shallow marine basin where sedimentation rates and conditions favored fossil preservation.

Stratigraphic and Scientific Importance

Paroniceras sternale is significant in biostratigraphy and is used as an index fossil within the Upper Toarcian. Its presence helps geologists correlate rock layers across France and other European regions, linking them within the broader framework of Jurassic stratigraphy. Such ammonites are crucial for understanding both the evolutionary history of cephalopods and the environmental changes that shaped marine life during the Early Jurassic.

Provenance and Authenticity

This fossil comes directly from Le Clapier, France, a well-documented and highly regarded Toarcian fossil locality. Its authenticity and provenance are guaranteed, with each specimen accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity for complete buyer confidence.

A Collectible Piece of Jurassic Heritage

This Paroniceras sternale ammonite fossil is more than a collector’s specimen—it is a tangible piece of Jurassic history, preserving the story of ancient oceans that existed nearly 180 million years ago. Whether for a private collection, educational display, or as a unique natural history gift, this specimen represents both scientific value and natural beauty.