Pleydellia Distans Ammonite Fossil Jurassic France Genuine Specimen with COA Collector Display

Description

PLEYDELLIA DISTANS AMMONITE FOSSIL

This genuine Pleydellia distans ammonite comes from La Verpillière in Isère, France, and dates to the Upper Toarcian stage of the Lower Jurassic. It is a carefully selected natural specimen representing an ancient marine cephalopod that lived approximately 174 to 182 million years ago. The photographs show the exact fossil supplied, allowing you to assess its individual preservation, colour, matrix and visible shell detail before purchase.

GEOLOGICAL AGE AND FRENCH LOCALITY

The Upper Toarcian records the closing part of the Early Jurassic, when much of western Europe was covered by extensive warm seas. La Verpillière lies in a geologically important region of eastern France where Jurassic marine rocks preserve evidence of these long-vanished environments. Sediment accumulated across the seabed while ammonites and other invertebrates inhabited the water above. After death, some shells settled, were buried and gradually mineralised, preserving their form within the rock for millions of years.

Ammonites evolved rapidly and were widely distributed, making many species useful index fossils. Their occurrence helps palaeontologists compare and date marine rock layers from different localities. A named Pleydellia species with a documented Upper Toarcian origin therefore carries both decorative appeal and genuine scientific value for a fossil collection.

AMMONITE BIOLOGY AND SHELL FORM

Pleydellia was a genus of extinct marine cephalopod related to modern squid, cuttlefish and nautiluses. Its coiled shell was divided internally into chambers. The living animal occupied the outer chamber, while the older sealed chambers helped regulate buoyancy as it moved through the Jurassic sea. Pleydellia ammonites typically possess an elegant coiled profile with ribbing that records the growth and ornament of the original shell.

The species name distans distinguishes this form within the genus. On this fossil, the preserved coil, natural surface texture and remaining ornament provide a tangible record of its original morphology. Fossils are naturally individual objects, so variations in preservation, small edge losses, mineral deposits and matrix attachment are authentic geological features rather than manufacturing defects. Please study every image carefully because the specimen pictured is the exact piece you will receive. Full dimensions are shown in the measurement photograph.

COLLECTOR AND DISPLAY APPEAL

This French Jurassic ammonite is well suited to collectors interested in palaeontology, ammonite evolution, European geology and prehistoric marine ecosystems. Its precise species identification, Upper Toarcian age and La Verpillière provenance make it suitable for an organised study collection. It can also serve as an educational fossil illustrating chambered shell construction, fossilisation and the use of ammonites in geological dating. Its natural appearance makes it an engaging cabinet piece or distinctive gift for anyone interested in fossils and deep time.

AUTHENTICITY AND CERTIFICATE

This is an authentic fossil, not a replica or cast. The exact specimen shown is supplied and will be carefully packed to protect its natural detail. It includes a generic Certificate of Authenticity card backed by our lifetime authenticity guarantee.