Physodoceras circumspinosa Ammonite Fossil from Jurassic Kimmeridgian Stage Gessingen Germany Authentic

Description

Geological Context and Age

This exceptional Physodoceras circumspinosa ammonite fossil originates from the Kimmeridgian Stage of the Late Jurassic, approximately 157–152 million years ago. It was discovered in the well-documented fossil beds of Gessingen, Germany, an area renowned for producing beautifully preserved ammonites that play an important role in stratigraphic studies. The Kimmeridgian represents a period of fluctuating sea levels and widespread shallow marine environments that were ideal habitats for ammonites, marine reptiles, and a diverse range of invertebrates.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Family: Aspidoceratidae
• Genus: Physodoceras
• Species: Physodoceras circumspinosa

Belonging to the Aspidoceratidae, Physodoceras ammonites are recognised for their ornate shell ornamentation and large, robust forms. Their distinctive features make them important for paleontological research and highly prized among collectors.

Morphological Features

This Physodoceras circumspinosa specimen exhibits the classic traits associated with the species:

• Thickly ribbed shell – with strong radial ribs crossing the flanks, contributing to its striking appearance.
• Characteristic tubercles (spines) – giving the shell a circumspinate ornamentation pattern that sets it apart from other ammonites.
• Broad, evolute whorls – allowing the earlier whorls to remain visible, which adds to its symmetry and appeal.
• Complex suture lines – showing the highly intricate lobes and saddles typical of Late Jurassic ammonites.

These details provide both scientific and aesthetic value, making this a specimen of note for both researchers and fossil enthusiasts.

Depositional Environment

The ammonite was preserved within marine sediments deposited in a warm epicontinental sea that covered large areas of present-day Europe during the Kimmeridgian. This environment was dominated by fine-grained marls and limestones, which allowed exceptional fossil preservation. Fossils from this formation often retain exquisite shell detail, allowing species like Physodoceras circumspinosa to be identified with precision.

Scientific and Collector Importance

• Biostratigraphy – Physodoceras species are important zonal fossils for correlating Kimmeridgian sediments across Europe.
• Rarity – The circumspinosa form is less common than many contemporaneous ammonites, adding to its desirability.
• Collector’s Value – Its aesthetic ribbing, spined ornamentation, and robust form make it a display-worthy fossil.
• Educational Use – Provides a tangible link to Jurassic marine ecosystems and the evolutionary development of ammonites.

Authenticity and Presentation

• This is a 100% genuine fossil, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• The actual specimen shown in the photos is the one you will receive.
• For sizing accuracy, please refer to the photo with a 1 cm scale rule cube.

This Physodoceras circumspinosa ammonite fossil from the Kimmeridgian of Gessingen, Germany, is a scientifically important and visually impressive specimen. With its bold ribbing, spined ornamentation, and excellent provenance, it is an outstanding addition to any fossil collection.