Procerozigzag crassizigzag Ammonite Fossil Lower Bathonian Normandy France

Description

Procerozigzag crassizigzag Ammonite Fossil from Normandy

Genuine Lower Bathonian Specimen

This carefully selected Procerozigzag crassizigzag ammonite is a genuine fossil from Normandy, France. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, allowing its individual preservation, shell form, matrix and natural colour to be examined before purchase. Please refer to the sizing photograph for its complete measurements and proportions.

Lower Bathonian Geological Age

The specimen dates from the Lower Bathonian Stage of the Middle Jurassic, approximately 168 million years ago. At that time, shallow marine seas covered extensive parts of western Europe and connected with the Tethys Ocean. These warm waters supported diverse communities of ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, brachiopods and other organisms. Sediment accumulating on the seabed buried some shells and created the conditions necessary for fossilisation.

Normandy preserves important Jurassic sedimentary sequences and has long been recognised for its fossil-bearing rocks. A specimen with regional provenance retains geological context and represents the marine ecosystem that existed in this part of France during the Middle Jurassic.

Species and Shell Morphology

Procerozigzag crassizigzag belongs to the Ammonoidea, the extinct group of coiled marine cephalopods related to modern squid, cuttlefish, octopus and nautilus. Its chambered shell was divided by septa. The living animal occupied the final body chamber, while the remaining chambers and a connecting siphuncle assisted with buoyancy control.

Procerozigzag is associated with early Bathonian ammonite faunas within the order Ammonitida. The genus is characterised by evolute coiling, an open umbilicus and prominent ribbing. In strongly ornamented specimens, primary ribs may divide across the flanks to create a distinctive zigzag-like pattern. Whorl shape, rib division, ventral form and umbilical width are important identification features. The species name crassizigzag reflects its robust ornamental style.

Biostratigraphic Importance

Ammonites evolved rapidly and were widely distributed in Jurassic seas. Characteristic species are therefore valuable index fossils used to define biozones and correlate marine sedimentary layers. Procerozigzag and related forms are significant in Lower Bathonian stratigraphy and help palaeontologists recognise the transition into characteristic Bathonian ammonite assemblages.

Fossilisation and Natural Features

After death, the shell settled onto the sea floor and became buried by sediment. Compaction and mineralisation preserved original shell material, replaced it with minerals or left an internal mould. Natural fissures, incomplete edges, matrix attachment, colour variation, mineral staining and weathered surfaces are normal features of authentic fossils. Each specimen records an individual history of burial and geological exposure.

Collecting and Display

This Normandy ammonite is ideal for a Middle Jurassic fossil collection, geological teaching set, natural history display or cabinet of curiosities. Its identified species and age make it appealing to collectors of European ammonites, and it is also a thoughtful gift for a geology student or prehistoric marine-life enthusiast. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen supplied.

Certificate and Care

This genuine fossil includes a generic Certificate of Authenticity card with a lifetime guarantee. Handle it over a soft surface and support the fossil and matrix securely. Avoid impact, strong chemicals, washing and rapid changes in humidity or temperature. Store it in a dry, stable display environment and remove dust gently with a soft dry brush.