Osperlioceras authelini Ammonite Fossil Lower Jurassic High Atlas Morocco Sample | Upper Toarcian Amellagou Collector Specimen

Description

Genuine Osperlioceras authelini Ammonite Fossil

This carefully selected fossil is a genuine Osperlioceras authelini ammonite from the Amellagou region of the High Atlas, Morocco. It dates to the Upper Toarcian, the final part of the Lower Jurassic. The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, allowing its natural form, preservation, colour, matrix and visible fossil detail to be examined before purchase. Please refer to the photographs for full sizing and scale.

Upper Toarcian Geology

The Toarcian Age lasted from approximately 182 to 174 million years ago. During its later part, the region that is now Morocco lay along the northwestern margin of the developing Tethys Ocean. Marine basins received mud, carbonate-rich sediment and other material that preserved ammonites, belemnites, bivalves and diverse sea life.

The Toarcian was an interval of major environmental change involving climate, sea level and ocean oxygenation. Ammonite lineages evolved rapidly through these changing conditions. Their fossils are therefore especially valuable for recognising biozones, dating marine rocks and comparing strata between North Africa and Europe.

Osperlioceras authelini

Osperlioceras is an extinct ammonite genus within the order Ammonitida. Ammonites were marine cephalopods related to living squid, octopus and nautilus. Their coiled shells were internally divided into chambers. The animal occupied the final body chamber, while sealed earlier chambers helped regulate buoyancy.

Identification of Osperlioceras species considers shell coiling, whorl proportions, umbilical width, ribbing and the form of the outer margin. Osperlioceras authelini is a named Toarcian ammonite and contributes to the detailed record of late Early Jurassic cephalopod faunas. Its species identification, age and locality give the specimen scientific context beyond its visual appearance.

Fossil preservation varies naturally. A specimen may retain original shell material, mineral replacement, an external impression or an internal mould formed when sediment entered the shell before burial. Matrix, worn areas, fractures and irregular edges record fossilisation, compaction and later exposure. These authentic geological features are part of the specimen rather than manufactured defects.

Amellagou and the High Atlas

The High Atlas of Morocco is internationally known for richly fossiliferous Jurassic rocks. Sediments deposited in ancient marine basins were later folded and uplifted as the Atlas Mountains developed. Erosion now exposes ammonite-bearing strata across dramatic desert and mountain landscapes.

The Amellagou region is associated with important Jurassic fossil localities. Ammonites from this area help palaeontologists compare Moroccan successions with equivalent Tethyan rocks elsewhere in North Africa and southern Europe. A specimen from Amellagou therefore carries meaningful geographic and geological provenance.

This Osperlioceras represents an extinct cephalopod that lived in a warm Jurassic sea more than 170 million years ago. After death, burial on the seabed protected part of its shell long enough for mineralisation and fossilisation. Later uplift and erosion brought that ancient record back to the surface.

Actual Specimen and Authenticity

You will receive the exact fossil shown in the photographs. Its named species, Upper Toarcian age and High Atlas provenance make it suitable for a specialist ammonite collection, geological study, educational display or a distinctive Moroccan fossil gift. It includes a generic Certificate of Authenticity card carrying a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

Handle the specimen carefully and avoid soaking, harsh cleaning chemicals, excessive humidity and sudden temperature changes. Display it securely so natural edges, matrix and any exposed shell ornament remain protected.