Murcodactylites murconatus Fossil Ammonite Toarcian Jurassic Aveyron France Genuine

Description

Authentic Murcodactylites murconatus Fossil Ammonite

This listing features a beautifully preserved Murcodactylites murconatus fossil ammonite, discovered in Aveyron, France, from the Toarcian Stage of the Jurassic Period. Dating back around 182–174 million years, this fossil represents a genuine piece of Earth’s natural history and provides a fascinating glimpse into the marine ecosystems of the Early Jurassic seas. Each specimen we offer is carefully selected for its quality and authenticity, with a Certificate of Authenticity included for complete assurance. The images show the exact specimen you will receive, accompanied by a 1 cm scale cube for precise size reference.

Geological Context and Age

This ammonite comes from the Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic, a period that spans approximately 182–174 million years ago. The Toarcian is particularly renowned for its rich ammonite faunas, which make it one of the most studied stages in Mesozoic paleontology. During this time, Europe was largely covered by shallow epicontinental seas that provided ideal habitats for ammonites, belemnites, and other marine life.

Aveyron, located in southern France, is a well-documented site for Jurassic deposits. The region’s sedimentary rocks preserve a wealth of ammonites that serve as valuable biostratigraphic markers. Murcodactylites murconatus is one such ammonite, making it an important species for correlating Toarcian marine strata across Europe.

Scientific Classification

• Species: Murcodactylites murconatus
• Genus: Murcodactylites
• Family: Dactylioceratidae
• Superfamily: Dactylioceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Age: Toarcian Stage, Early Jurassic (~182–174 million years ago)
• Locality: Aveyron, France

Morphological Features

Murcodactylites murconatus is part of the family Dactylioceratidae, which is characterized by evolute shells, ribbed ornamentation, and strong, often sharp ribbing that extends across the flanks to the keel. This species displays a distinctive morphology with ribs that may bifurcate towards the venter, producing a striking pattern across the shell. The whorls are typically compressed, with a clearly visible keel that contributed to streamlining in the marine environment.

The ribbing and keel structure of this ammonite suggest adaptations for stability and maneuverability in open marine waters. Its aesthetic appeal lies in the bold rib patterns and symmetry, making it both a scientifically significant fossil and a visually striking natural specimen.

Paleoenvironment and Ecology

During the Toarcian, ammonites like Murcodactylites murconatus thrived in nutrient-rich shallow seas. These cephalopods were nektonic carnivores, using their chambered shells for buoyancy control and their tentacles to capture prey such as small fish, crustaceans, and planktonic organisms. The Toarcian seas also experienced intervals of anoxic events, which contributed to the exceptional preservation of fossils in certain sedimentary layers.

The fine-grained marine sediments of Aveyron provided the perfect conditions for fossilization, preserving the fine ribbing and detailed shell morphology we see in this specimen today.

Collectability and Significance

This Murcodactylites murconatus ammonite fossil from Aveyron is a valuable addition to any fossil collection. Its scientific relevance, as an ammonite used for biostratigraphic dating, adds depth to its historical importance. For collectors, it offers both aesthetic appeal and a tangible link to the Jurassic seas of southern France.

• Type: Fossil Ammonite – Murcodactylites murconatus
• Geological Stage: Toarcian, Early Jurassic (~182–174 million years ago)
• Provenance: Aveyron, France
• Scale Reference: 1 cm cube shown in photos
• Authenticity: Guaranteed genuine with Certificate of Authenticity
• Specimen Guarantee: The exact fossil photographed is the one supplied

This ammonite fossil represents a fascinating opportunity to own a piece of Early Jurassic history, a genuine reminder of the marine life that thrived over 180 million years ago.