Macrocephalites typicus Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Madagascar Genuine Authentic COA

Description

Authentic Jurassic Fossil from Madagascar

This Macrocephalites typicus ammonite fossil is a genuine specimen from the Lower Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic, collected in Madagascar. It has been carefully selected for its preservation and distinct features, making it both a scientifically valuable and visually impressive example. The photographs show the actual fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate size reference. Every specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring that it is 100% genuine.

Geological Age and Provenance

Dating back approximately 166–163 million years, this ammonite comes from the Lower Callovian stage of the Jurassic Period. At that time, Madagascar formed part of the supercontinent Gondwana and was situated in the southern hemisphere within the influence of the Tethys Ocean. Warm, shallow seas covered much of the island, allowing ammonites and other marine organisms to thrive. Sediments deposited in these environments created ideal conditions for fossilisation, producing ammonites of exceptional clarity and preservation. Madagascar’s Jurassic deposits are famous worldwide, with Macrocephalites typicus representing one of the key ammonite species of the region.

Species Identification and Classification

Macrocephalites typicus belongs to the class Cephalopoda, order Ammonitida, superfamily Stephanoceratoidea, and family Macrocephalitidae. The genus Macrocephalites is among the most distinctive of the Callovian ammonites, recognised for its robust planispiral shells and striking ribbing patterns. The species typicus is an important ammonite in Jurassic biostratigraphy, marking a well-defined horizon within the Lower Callovian. This makes it not only a beautiful fossil for collectors but also a scientifically significant index species.

Morphology and Distinctive Traits

This specimen shows the classic features of Macrocephalites typicus. The shell is planispiral and moderately involute, with outer whorls covering much of the inner ones. Strong, well-defined ribs extend across the flanks, sometimes branching towards the outer edge, giving the shell a bold and attractive ornamentation. The compressed whorl profile and ribbing would have reinforced the shell, enhancing strength and aiding buoyancy as the animal navigated Jurassic seas. These features are distinctive to the genus and make this species highly desirable for collectors.

Scientific and Stratigraphic Importance

Macrocephalites typicus is of great scientific importance as an index fossil. Its occurrence defines part of the Lower Callovian stage, enabling geologists to date and correlate rock layers across Madagascar, Europe, and other Jurassic localities with precision. Its wide distribution and clearly recognisable morphology make it a key fossil in the study of Jurassic stratigraphy. For collectors, this means owning not just a fossil of great beauty but also one that has played an important role in paleontological research and the understanding of Earth’s history.

Condition and Presentation

The fossil has been professionally prepared to reveal its key features, with ribbing and whorl structure preserved in striking detail. This is a one-of-a-kind specimen—not a replica or reproduction. Its strong preservation allows both scientific study and visual appreciation. The photographs provided show the actual fossil you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and confidence in your purchase.

Guarantee of Authenticity

All of our fossils are 100% genuine, responsibly sourced, and scientifically identified. Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity to verify provenance. This rare Macrocephalites typicus ammonite fossil from Madagascar is an outstanding example of Callovian ammonites, making it a superb addition for fossil collectors, natural history enthusiasts, and educational collections.