Progeronia breviceps Ammonite Fossil Tithonian Cretaceous Italy Genuine Certified Specimen

Description

Genuine Progeronia breviceps Ammonite Fossil from Italy

This listing offers a Progeronia breviceps ammonite fossil from the Tithonian stage, preserved within the Cretaceous deposits of the Apennine region, Italy. Dating back approximately 152–145 million years, this specimen represents a striking remnant of the rich marine ecosystems that flourished in the warm shallow seas of the Late Jurassic to earliest Cretaceous transition. Each fossil is carefully selected for its quality and authenticity, with photographs showing the exact specimen you will receive. For precise sizing, please refer to the 1 cm scale cube shown in the images. Every piece is sold with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing provenance and genuine fossil status.

Geological Context and Depositional Setting

The Tithonian stage marks the final stage of the Late Jurassic and directly precedes the Cretaceous period. During this time, the region of what is now the Italian Apennines was a shallow marine environment within the ancient Tethys Ocean. These seas provided the ideal habitat for ammonites, whose shells were buried and preserved in carbonate-rich sediments. Fossils from this region are world-renowned for their preservation and their importance in refining biostratigraphic frameworks used by geologists to date Mesozoic strata.

Scientific Classification

• Class: Cephalopoda
• Subclass: Ammonoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Family: Perisphinctidae
• Genus: Progeronia
• Species: Progeronia breviceps

As a member of the Perisphinctidae family, Progeronia is closely related to other highly ornamented perisphinctid ammonites. Its presence is often used by palaeontologists as a marker for key Tithonian biozones.

Morphological Features

The Progeronia breviceps ammonite is characterised by its broad, evolute shell with whorls that expand quickly and exhibit pronounced ribbing. The ribs radiate strongly across the flanks, giving the shell a bold and well-defined appearance. These ribs may bifurcate and sweep gracefully towards the venter, producing a ribbed ornamentation that is both scientifically diagnostic and visually attractive. Its sutures are complex and detailed, reflecting the evolutionary adaptations of ammonites for structural shell strength and buoyancy control. This specimen exemplifies the distinctive features that make Progeronia so recognisable and sought after by collectors.

Palaeontological Importance

Ammonites such as Progeronia breviceps are vital index fossils, meaning they allow precise correlation of marine deposits across Europe and beyond. Their relatively short stratigraphic range makes them especially important for dating and understanding the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous boundary. Fossils from the Italian Apennines are widely used in research and contribute significantly to the reconstruction of ancient marine faunas and palaeoenvironments.

Collector and Display Value

This Progeronia breviceps ammonite fossil offers a unique opportunity to own a scientifically significant and visually striking specimen. Its strong ribbing, characteristic whorl shape, and excellent preservation make it an outstanding addition to any fossil collection, museum display, or educational setting. Collectors particularly value ammonites from the Apennines for their rarity, condition, and their historical significance in European palaeontology.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are sold with a Certificate of Authenticity. This carefully chosen Progeronia breviceps ammonite from Italy is a timeless piece that captures the beauty, history, and scientific value of Earth’s ancient seas.