Ochetoceras Quenstedtoceras lamberti Fossil Ammonites Lower Oxfordian Jurassic Switzerland Genuine Hieznach Ammonite Specimens

Description

Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossils

This listing features a superb pair of ammonites: Ochetoceras and Quenstedtoceras lamberti, both from the Lower Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period. Collected from the renowned fossiliferous beds at Hieznach, Switzerland, these ammonites provide a fascinating insight into marine life that flourished approximately 163–160 million years ago. Each specimen has been carefully selected and photographed to ensure accuracy—what you see in the photos, complete with a 1 cm scale rule and cube, is the exact fossil you will receive. Every fossil we offer is 100% genuine and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context – Lower Oxfordian, Hieznach

The Oxfordian stage forms part of the Upper Jurassic, spanning from around 163.5 to 157.3 million years ago. The fossils in this listing specifically derive from the Lower Oxfordian, a time of significant marine biodiversity across Europe. The Hieznach locality in Switzerland is known for its well-preserved ammonite faunas, which document evolutionary developments and provide critical reference material for Jurassic stratigraphy. The sediments here represent marine depositional environments within shallow epicontinental seas, where ammonites thrived as both predators and prey in dynamic ecosystems.

Ochetoceras – The Streamlined Ammonite

The genus Ochetoceras belongs to the family Oppeliidae, order Ammonitida. Characterised by its compressed shell, sharp ribbing, and involute coiling, Ochetoceras is considered a fast-swimming ammonite adapted for open marine conditions. The ribbing patterns served both as structural reinforcement and hydrodynamic features, while the suture lines provide evidence of its evolutionary development. Fossils of Ochetoceras are biostratigraphically important, marking particular intervals within the Oxfordian stage.

Quenstedtoceras lamberti – A Zone-Defining Species

The species Quenstedtoceras lamberti is one of the most important ammonites of the Lower Oxfordian. Belonging to the family Cardioceratidae, it is the index fossil of the Lamberti Zone, a key biozone used internationally in Jurassic stratigraphy. Quenstedtoceras lamberti is distinguished by its strongly ribbed shell and evolute coiling, making it instantly recognisable among collectors and researchers. Its global distribution across Europe underscores its importance for correlation between different Jurassic outcrops.

Morphological Features

The paired ammonites in this specimen block demonstrate contrasting morphologies that highlight Jurassic diversity. Ochetoceras displays compressed whorls with sharp, sinuous ribbing, while Quenstedtoceras lamberti exhibits more evolute coiling with bold ribs radiating across the shell. Both fossils preserve fine detail, with ribbing and suture patterns visible, offering a rare opportunity to compare two distinct yet contemporaneous ammonite genera side by side.

Scientific and Collectible Value

Together, Ochetoceras and Quenstedtoceras lamberti fossils provide not only aesthetic appeal but also valuable scientific information. The occurrence of Q. lamberti specifically allows for precise dating within the Lower Oxfordian, making this fossil pair an important stratigraphic marker. For collectors, the combination of a zone-defining ammonite with a streamlined pelagic form creates a specimen of exceptional significance. For students and researchers, it provides a tangible example of Jurassic ammonite diversity and evolutionary adaptation.

Provenance and Guarantee

Collected from Hieznach, Switzerland, these ammonites come from a locality long recognised for its Oxfordian fossil assemblages. The fossils have been carefully prepared to highlight their natural features and are offered with a Certificate of Authenticity. The exact specimens photographed are the ones you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and provenance.

A Rare Paired Ammonite Specimen from Switzerland

This Ochetoceras and Quenstedtoceras lamberti ammonite fossil pair from the Lower Oxfordian of Hieznach represents a rare and scientifically significant find. With their distinct morphologies and precise stratigraphic importance, they are ideal for collectors, educators, and palaeontology enthusiasts seeking to own an authentic piece of Jurassic history.