Description
Genuine Quenstedtoceras messiaeni Ammonite Fossil from Calvados, France
This is a genuine Quenstedtoceras messiaeni ammonite fossil from the Upper Callovian Stage of the Jurassic Period, dating to approximately 165–163 million years ago. Discovered near Villers-sur-Mer, Calvados, Normandy, France, this remarkable specimen is part of the rich fossil heritage of the region. It has been carefully selected for both its scientific importance and natural beauty, and it is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, ensuring collectors receive a specimen that is both authentic and unique.
Geological Context and Age
The Callovian Stage represents a critical part of the Middle to Late Jurassic transition, characterised by widespread shallow marine environments across Europe. The Upper Callovian beds of Normandy are world-renowned for their exceptional ammonite preservation and are used extensively in biostratigraphic research. Fossils from this region provide a clear window into the warm epicontinental seas that covered much of northwestern Europe during this time. Quenstedtoceras messiaeni is an important ammonite species within this sequence, allowing geologists and paleontologists to correlate layers across broad geographic areas.
Scientific Classification
- Species: Quenstedtoceras messiaeni
- Genus: Quenstedtoceras
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Age: Upper Callovian, Jurassic (~165–163 million years ago)
- Locality: Villers-sur-Mer, Calvados, Normandy, France
Morphological Features
Quenstedtoceras messiaeni displays a characteristic shell form with fine ribbing and elegant whorl development typical of the genus. Its ribs often extend across the flanks and sweep over the venter in well-defined arcs, producing a visually striking fossil. The overall morphology suggests a nektonic lifestyle, with this ammonite actively swimming in the Jurassic seas, likely preying on small crustaceans, molluscs, and other planktonic organisms. The beauty of its preserved ribbing and shell curvature makes this specimen particularly attractive for collectors and researchers alike.
Stratigraphic and Paleontological Significance
Members of the genus Quenstedtoceras are recognised as key index fossils for the Upper Callovian, providing valuable markers for biostratigraphic zonation across Europe. Their restricted stratigraphic range and widespread distribution make them especially useful for identifying and dating Jurassic sedimentary layers. The discovery of Q. messiaeni in Normandy is consistent with its established range across northern Europe, reaffirming the importance of these fossils in understanding Jurassic marine ecosystems.
Depositional Environment
During the Callovian, the Normandy coastline was part of a broad, shallow marine shelf system that experienced regular sedimentation of clays and marls. These sediments helped preserve the delicate shells of ammonites after death, encapsulating them in fine-grained deposits that fossilised over millions of years. The preservation of Quenstedtoceras messiaeni in this environment captures not only the beauty of ammonite shell morphology but also an important chapter of Earth’s geological history.
Collector’s Appeal and Educational Value
This specimen of Quenstedtoceras messiaeni is a fine example of a Jurassic ammonite fossil with both scientific and aesthetic significance. Its well-defined ribbing and characteristic form make it an excellent display piece for collectors of marine fossils. For educators and students, it provides a tangible connection to the Jurassic seas and a demonstration of ammonites as powerful tools in geological dating. The fossil is not only a natural curiosity but also a testament to the evolutionary story of cephalopods that dominated prehistoric oceans.
Item Details
- Type: Fossil Ammonite – Quenstedtoceras messiaeni
- Geological Age: Upper Callovian, Jurassic (~165–163 million years ago)
- Origin: Villers-sur-Mer, Calvados, Normandy, France
- Notable Features: Distinct ribbing and shell structure, key Jurassic index fossil
- Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (see photos for full sizing)
- Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen with Certificate of Authenticity
- Specimen: Exact fossil pictured is the one you will receive
An exceptional opportunity to own a genuine Quenstedtoceras messiaeni ammonite fossil from the famous Jurassic beds of Normandy, France.
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