Phymatoceras lilli Ammonite Fossil France Jurassic with COA

Description

Phymatoceras lilli Ammonite Fossil

A Genuine Upper Toarcian Fossil from France

This authentic ammonite fossil is identified as Phymatoceras lilli and comes from Truc de Balduc in Lozère, France. It dates to the Upper Toarcian interval of the Lower Jurassic, linking it to a marine ecosystem approximately 175 to 180 million years old. The listing photographs show the exact specimen offered for sale, allowing its natural coiling, ribbing, matrix and individual preservation to be examined before purchase. Full dimensions are provided in the dedicated sizing photograph.

Upper Toarcian Geology

The Toarcian was the final stage of the Early Jurassic and lasted from approximately 182.7 to 174.1 million years ago. During the later Toarcian, warm seas covered substantial areas of western Europe and connected with the developing Tethys Ocean. Limestone, marl and other marine sediments accumulated across shelves and basins, preserving the remains of ammonites, bivalves and many other organisms.

The Toarcian rock record is particularly important because it documents significant environmental changes and rapid evolutionary turnover among marine faunas. Ammonites responded to these changes with the appearance, spread and disappearance of distinctive forms. Their fossils are therefore valuable for comparing sedimentary sequences and refining geological ages. A specimen with recorded locality and stage data retains meaningful scientific context beyond its visual appeal.

Truc de Balduc and Lozère Provenance

Truc de Balduc is situated in Lozère in southern France, within a region of varied sedimentary geology. Jurassic rocks exposed across this part of France preserve evidence of ancient marine environments that existed long before later uplift and erosion formed the modern landscape. Retaining the Truc de Balduc locality with this specimen preserves an important part of its geological story and distinguishes it from ammonites whose precise origin has been lost.

About Phymatoceras lilli

Phymatoceras is an Upper Toarcian ammonite genus recognised through features of its shell proportions, coiling, ornament and suture pattern. Phymatoceras lilli forms part of the diverse cephalopod communities that inhabited late Early Jurassic seas. Strong ribbing and changes in ornament across growth can give these ammonites a distinctive character and make them appealing to collectors of European Jurassic fossils.

As the animal grew, it added shell material around the aperture. The living cephalopod occupied the outer body chamber, while older portions were divided by septa into a series of sealed chambers. Those chambers assisted with buoyancy control. Complex lines formed where the septa met the outer shell, called sutures, are important features used in ammonite identification and classification.

Ammonites were extinct marine relatives of living squid, cuttlefish and nautiluses. Their rapid evolution and broad distribution make them among the most useful index fossils for dating marine sedimentary rocks. Phymatoceras lilli consequently offers genuine scientific interest as evidence of Toarcian cephalopod diversity as well as visual appeal for a fossil display.

Natural Preservation

This fossil has passed through burial, mineralisation, compaction, erosion, exposure and discovery. Natural matrix, mineral colour, weathering, fine cracks, minor losses or uneven surfaces may be present. These characteristics belong to the specimen’s geological history and are not modern manufacturing defects. Please inspect every image carefully because the photographs provide the clearest guide to this individual ammonite’s condition. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, and no substitute will be supplied.

Collecting and Educational Value

This French Upper Toarcian ammonite is suitable for a Jurassic fossil collection, geology cabinet, palaeontology display or educational study set. Its species identification and Truc de Balduc provenance make it particularly relevant to collectors interested in European ammonites, Lower Jurassic marine life, French geology or cephalopod evolution. It can also make a thoughtful gift for a fossil enthusiast, geology student or natural-history collector.

Authenticity and Provenance

This is a carefully selected genuine fossil specimen. It includes a generic Certificate of Authenticity card carrying a lifetime guarantee of authenticity. The documented provenance is Upper Toarcian, Lower Jurassic, Truc de Balduc, Lozère, France. Keeping these details with the fossil will preserve an important part of its scientific and historical value. The photographs show the actual Phymatoceras lilli offered here, and the sizing image provides the measurements needed for storage or display planning.