Fossil Ammonite Septimaniceras zitteli Middle Toarcian Jurassic Tournadous Aveyron France

Description

Exceptional Septimaniceras zitteli Fossil Ammonite

This listing presents a genuine Fossil Ammonite, Septimaniceras zitteli, discovered at Tournadous, Aveyron, France, dating from the Middle Toarcian stage of the Jurassic Period, approximately 182–174 million years ago. The specimen has been carefully selected for its scientific value and natural beauty, showing the intricate coiling and ribbing characteristic of this ammonite genus. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included for accurate sizing reference, and each purchase comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming that this is a 100% genuine fossil specimen.

Geological Age and Locality

The Middle Toarcian stage belongs to the Lower Jurassic, a time when marine life flourished in warm epicontinental seas. The strata of Aveyron, France, where this fossil was found, are part of the classic European Toarcian deposits renowned for their excellent fossil preservation. These layers record a dynamic period in Earth’s history, marked by significant marine biodiversity and the spread of ammonites into varied ecological niches.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Family: Hildoceratidae
• Genus: Septimaniceras
• Species: Septimaniceras zitteli

Morphological Features

The genus Septimaniceras is characterised by its evolute shell structure, with whorls that remain visible across the spiral. This specimen displays well-defined radial ribbing, which runs strongly across the shell flanks before bifurcating toward the outer edge. Such ornamentation not only served structural purposes but also contributed to hydrodynamics as the ammonite moved through the water column. The robust yet graceful shell form of Septimaniceras zitteli makes it a distinctive and highly recognisable species within the Hildoceratidae family.

Paleoecological Importance

Ammonites such as Septimaniceras zitteli were active, nektonic predators inhabiting open marine environments. With a chambered shell that enabled buoyancy control, they thrived in shallow seas, preying on smaller invertebrates and plankton. Their abundance and rapid evolutionary changes make them excellent index fossils, allowing geologists to precisely date the layers in which they are found. The Middle Toarcian seas of France provided ideal conditions for the preservation of ammonites, enabling detailed studies of species like Septimaniceras zitteli.

Fossil Preservation and Collectible Value

This specimen shows excellent preservation, with clearly defined ribbing and whorl structure. The fossil has undergone natural mineralisation processes within the Jurassic limestone of Aveyron, ensuring that the delicate morphological details are retained. For collectors, Septimaniceras zitteli is both a scientifically important and visually attractive ammonite, making it a prized addition to any collection of Jurassic fossils.

Provenance and Authenticity

Collected from Tournadous, Aveyron, France, this fossil is from a classic Toarcian locality well-regarded by paleontologists. Each specimen is individually inspected and sold with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance and scientific integrity. Unlike replicas or composite pieces, this ammonite is entirely natural, as discovered in its geological setting.

A Unique Collector’s Specimen

This Fossil Ammonite, Septimaniceras zitteli, from the Middle Toarcian of Aveyron, France, represents a rare opportunity to own a scientifically significant ammonite with strong visual appeal. Its combination of excellent preservation, historical locality, and distinct ribbed morphology makes it a valuable addition for collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts of natural history.