Description
Rare Amoeboceras alternans Ammonite Fossil from Moscow, Russia
Presented here is a rare Amoeboceras alternans ammonite fossil, dating to the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic, discovered near Moscow, Russia. This specimen is an authentic relic of an ancient marine ecosystem that existed around 165 million years ago. Amoeboceras is an important genus within Jurassic ammonites, highly valued by both collectors and paleontologists for its role in stratigraphic correlation and its distinctive shell features.
The specimen has been photographed alongside a 1 cm scale cube, ensuring complete transparency in size and details. This is the exact fossil you will receive, carefully chosen for its scientific and display quality. As with all of our specimens, this ammonite is 100% genuine and is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Context – Callovian Stage, Middle Jurassic
The Callovian stage, which spans from approximately 166 to 163.5 million years ago, represents a time of significant ammonite diversity. During this period, shallow epicontinental seas covered much of what is now Europe and western Russia. The Moscow Basin was a particularly rich marine environment, providing ideal conditions for the preservation of ammonites and other marine life.
Fossils from this region allow paleontologists to reconstruct the marine ecosystems of the Middle Jurassic, while ammonites such as Amoeboceras alternans are especially valuable for defining biozones and understanding the evolutionary radiation of cephalopods.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Amoeboceras
- Species: Amoeboceras alternans
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Geological Stage: Callovian, Middle Jurassic (c. 165 million years ago)
- Locality: Moscow, Russia
Distinctive Morphological Features
The genus Amoeboceras is easily identified by its distinctive ribbed shell morphology, and the alternans species is no exception. Notable traits include:
- Strong ribbing running across the flanks, giving the shell a robust and ornamental appearance.
- A compressed, involute form, meaning that the whorls overlap closely, resulting in a tightly coiled shell.
- Fine details in the rib structure that aid in accurate species identification and biostratigraphic placement.
- A size and shape well-suited for use as a reference fossil in paleontological studies.
These traits not only highlight its scientific importance but also make it an aesthetically appealing piece for display.
Paleoecological Insights
Like all ammonites, Amoeboceras alternans was a nektonic marine predator, moving freely through Jurassic seas. Its chambered shell allowed for buoyancy control, enabling it to hunt small fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. This fossil represents part of a thriving marine food chain that also included plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, and other ammonites.
The Callovian seas were dynamic environments, rich in nutrients and biodiversity, and fossils such as this provide invaluable insight into the ecological complexity of the Jurassic oceans.
Collector and Display Value
This Amoeboceras alternans ammonite fossil is a rare and desirable specimen from Moscow, Russia. Its historical, geological, and scientific significance makes it an excellent addition for any fossil collector, whether for research, education, or private display.
Each detail in its ribbed shell tells a story of an ancient world, offering a direct connection to the Jurassic period. Because this is the exact specimen photographed, you can buy with confidence knowing that what you see is what you will receive.
Key Details
- Fossil Type: Ammonite
- Species: Amoeboceras alternans
- Age: Callovian, Middle Jurassic (c. 165 million years ago)
- Origin: Moscow, Russia
- Well-defined ribbing and involute coiling style
- Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Photographed with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing
This rare Amoeboceras alternans ammonite fossil is a superb specimen from the Callovian stage of the Jurassic, offering both scientific value and natural beauty for your collection.
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