Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

FREE UK DELIVERY - Save up to 60%

SALE 15%
Hecticoceras Fossil Ammonite Callovian Jurassic France – Genuine Authentic Prehistoric Marine Cephalopod with Certificate

Hecticoceras Fossil Ammonite Callovian Jurassic France – Genuine Authentic Prehistoric Marine Cephalopod with Certificate

Original price was: £14.40.Current price is: £12.24.

Beautiful Jurassic Fossil Ammonite from Maine-et-Loire, France

This listing features a Hecticoceras fossil ammonite from the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic period, discovered in the fossil-rich marine deposits of Maine-et-Loire, France. This carefully selected specimen stands out for its excellent preservation, distinct ribbing, and attractive natural form. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, ensuring full transparency and authenticity for collectors.

Geological Age & Formation

Hecticoceras lived approximately 166.1 to 163.5 million years ago during the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic. At that time, the Maine-et-Loire region lay beneath shallow, warm seas that formed part of an extensive epicontinental seaway across Europe. These waters supported a thriving marine ecosystem, and the fine-grained sediments deposited on the sea floor created perfect conditions for fossilisation, preserving ammonite shells in remarkable detail. Fossils from this region are renowned for their scientific value and display quality.

Species Identification & Morphology

Belonging to the family Oppeliidae within the superfamily Perisphinctoidea and order Ammonitida, Hecticoceras is characterised by a moderately involute shell, strong ribbing, and a relatively compressed whorl section. The ribs are prominent and regularly spaced, running across the flanks and sometimes bifurcating towards the venter. This rib structure added shell strength and may have aided hydrodynamic efficiency during swimming.

The suture lines—intricate patterns marking the boundaries between the shell’s internal chambers—are well-developed in Hecticoceras and are visible in quality specimens such as this one. These sutures are important in paleontological identification and contribute to the specimen’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Collector Highlights

  • Preservation: Excellent, with well-defined ribbing and visible suture detail.
  • Size Reference: Scale cube in photographs = 1 cm squares for precise measurement.
  • Authenticity: Guaranteed 100% genuine fossil, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
  • Provenance: Discovered in the Callovian marine deposits of Maine-et-Loire, France.
  • Display Quality: Attractive specimen suitable for display in a private collection, study, or educational setting.
  • Rarity: While Hecticoceras is known from various Jurassic sites, specimens from this locality with such quality preservation are sought after by collectors.

Paleoenvironment & Scientific Importance

During the Callovian stage, Hecticoceras occupied a role as a nektonic predator in warm, shallow seas. It likely hunted small crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates, using its tentacles to seize prey and its strong beak to break shells. The chambered shell (phragmocone) allowed buoyancy control, enabling the ammonite to move vertically in the water column with precision.

This genus also serves as an important index fossil, meaning its presence in geological layers helps paleontologists to accurately date and correlate Callovian-age strata across Europe. Its distinctive morphology and relatively short stratigraphic range make it highly useful for biostratigraphic studies.

A Valuable Piece of Jurassic History

This Hecticoceras fossil ammonite is both scientifically significant and visually impressive. Its sharp ribbing, preserved sutures, and geological provenance make it an outstanding choice for fossil enthusiasts, collectors, educators, or anyone seeking a unique natural history display piece.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: UF4694 Category:

Description

Beautiful Jurassic Fossil Ammonite from Maine-et-Loire, France

This listing features a Hecticoceras fossil ammonite from the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic period, discovered in the fossil-rich marine deposits of Maine-et-Loire, France. This carefully selected specimen stands out for its excellent preservation, distinct ribbing, and attractive natural form. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, ensuring full transparency and authenticity for collectors.

Geological Age & Formation

Hecticoceras lived approximately 166.1 to 163.5 million years ago during the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic. At that time, the Maine-et-Loire region lay beneath shallow, warm seas that formed part of an extensive epicontinental seaway across Europe. These waters supported a thriving marine ecosystem, and the fine-grained sediments deposited on the sea floor created perfect conditions for fossilisation, preserving ammonite shells in remarkable detail. Fossils from this region are renowned for their scientific value and display quality.

Species Identification & Morphology

Belonging to the family Oppeliidae within the superfamily Perisphinctoidea and order Ammonitida, Hecticoceras is characterised by a moderately involute shell, strong ribbing, and a relatively compressed whorl section. The ribs are prominent and regularly spaced, running across the flanks and sometimes bifurcating towards the venter. This rib structure added shell strength and may have aided hydrodynamic efficiency during swimming.

The suture lines—intricate patterns marking the boundaries between the shell’s internal chambers—are well-developed in Hecticoceras and are visible in quality specimens such as this one. These sutures are important in paleontological identification and contribute to the specimen’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Collector Highlights

  • Preservation: Excellent, with well-defined ribbing and visible suture detail.
  • Size Reference: Scale cube in photographs = 1 cm squares for precise measurement.
  • Authenticity: Guaranteed 100% genuine fossil, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
  • Provenance: Discovered in the Callovian marine deposits of Maine-et-Loire, France.
  • Display Quality: Attractive specimen suitable for display in a private collection, study, or educational setting.
  • Rarity: While Hecticoceras is known from various Jurassic sites, specimens from this locality with such quality preservation are sought after by collectors.

Paleoenvironment & Scientific Importance

During the Callovian stage, Hecticoceras occupied a role as a nektonic predator in warm, shallow seas. It likely hunted small crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrates, using its tentacles to seize prey and its strong beak to break shells. The chambered shell (phragmocone) allowed buoyancy control, enabling the ammonite to move vertically in the water column with precision.

This genus also serves as an important index fossil, meaning its presence in geological layers helps paleontologists to accurately date and correlate Callovian-age strata across Europe. Its distinctive morphology and relatively short stratigraphic range make it highly useful for biostratigraphic studies.

A Valuable Piece of Jurassic History

This Hecticoceras fossil ammonite is both scientifically significant and visually impressive. Its sharp ribbing, preserved sutures, and geological provenance make it an outstanding choice for fossil enthusiasts, collectors, educators, or anyone seeking a unique natural history display piece.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive.

Additional information

Era

Jurassic
Origin

France

Jurassic Information

The Jurassic Period (201–145 million years ago) was the golden age of dinosaurs, with iconic species like Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus dominating the land. It was a time of warm, humid climates, with high sea levels that created vast shallow seas, supporting abundant marine reptiles, ammonites, and early coral reefs. The first birds, such as Archaeopteryx, evolved from small theropod dinosaurs, while early mammals remained small and nocturnal. Lush forests of cycads, conifers, and ferns covered the land, providing food for giant herbivores. The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea accelerated, shaping Earth's geography and setting the stage for the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

Related products