Description
Pleuroceras sp. Ammonite Fossil
This genuine Pleuroceras sp. ammonite fossil is a collectible Lower Jurassic marine specimen from Lozère, Occitanie, France. Dating to the Upper Pliensbachian stage, this fossil represents a classic European Jurassic ammonite from the ancient seas that once covered parts of southern France. Pleuroceras ammonites are highly regarded by collectors for their bold ribbing, distinctive keel and strong association with Lower Jurassic biostratigraphy.
The specimen is a carefully chosen piece, with the photograph showing the actual fossil you will receive. It is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, making it an excellent choice for collectors of French fossils, Jurassic ammonites, natural history specimens, educational displays and geology cabinets.
Geology, Age and Locality
This fossil comes from the Upper Pliensbachian of the Lower Jurassic, an interval dating to approximately 190 to 184 million years ago. During this part of the Jurassic Period, much of western Europe was covered by warm, shallow to moderately deep epicontinental seas. These marine environments were connected to the wider Tethyan realm and supported a rich diversity of life, including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, brachiopods, crinoids, gastropods, fish and early marine reptiles.
The Lozère region of Occitanie, France is known for fossil-bearing Jurassic sedimentary rocks that preserve the remains of ancient marine ecosystems. Fine muds, silts and carbonate-rich sediments accumulated on the seabed, gradually burying shells and hard parts. Over millions of years, these sediments compacted and hardened into rock, preserving ammonites such as this Pleuroceras as genuine fossils.
French Jurassic ammonites are popular with collectors because they combine attractive preservation, classic European geology and clear palaeontological interest. A labelled specimen from Lozère offers strong geographical provenance and makes a meaningful addition to a well-organised fossil collection.
Fossil Type and Species Details
Pleuroceras sp. is an ammonite, an extinct marine cephalopod related to modern squid, cuttlefish and nautilus. Ammonites lived inside coiled external shells divided internally into chambers. The living animal occupied the final body chamber, while the empty chambers helped control buoyancy as it moved through the water column.
The genus Pleuroceras is especially associated with the Pliensbachian stage of the Lower Jurassic. It is recognised for its strong ribbed ornament, generally compressed to moderately robust shell form and a pronounced keel along the outer edge of the whorl. These features give Pleuroceras ammonites their distinctive sculptured appearance and make them attractive display fossils.
Pleuroceras belongs to the family Amaltheidae, within the superfamily Eoderoceratoidea and the order Ammonitida. Amaltheid ammonites are important guide fossils for Lower Jurassic rocks, particularly within the Upper Pliensbachian. Their rapid evolution and widespread distribution make them useful for dating and correlating marine sediments across different parts of Europe.
Upper Pliensbachian Marine Environment
When this ammonite was alive, the area now known as Lozère formed part of a Jurassic marine setting. Ammonites such as Pleuroceras were active swimming animals, sharing the sea with belemnites, fish and many other marine organisms. The seabed would have supported communities of bivalves, brachiopods, crinoids, gastropods and other invertebrates adapted to life in soft sediment and shell-rich habitats.
The shell of Pleuroceras was both protective and functional. Its chambered internal structure allowed buoyancy regulation, while the ribs and keel strengthened the shell and contributed to its hydrodynamic form. These natural features are part of what makes ammonites one of the most recognisable and sought-after fossil groups, combining visual appeal with genuine scientific importance.
Lozère, Occitanie, France
Lozère in southern France is a respected locality area for Jurassic marine fossils. Specimens from named regions such as this are valued because they preserve not only the fossil itself, but also its geological and geographical context. This makes the fossil suitable for display, teaching, study or inclusion in a themed collection of French fossils, Lower Jurassic ammonites or European marine life specimens.
This Pleuroceras sp. ammonite from Lozère is a desirable example for collectors who appreciate classic Jurassic ammonites with clear age and locality information. Its combination of Upper Pliensbachian age, recognised genus and French provenance gives it strong collecting appeal.
Genuine Fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. Full sizing please see photo. The fossil shown in the photograph is the actual specimen you will receive, allowing you to buy with confidence and add a carefully selected, authentic Lower Jurassic ammonite fossil from France to your collection.
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