RARE Binatisphinctes binatus iridescent Fossil Ammonite Callovian Jurassic Russia

Description

Rare Binatisphinctes binatus Iridescent Fossil Ammonite from Russia

This exceptional specimen is a rare Binatisphinctes binatus ammonite fossil from the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 165 – 161 million years old. Collected from the fossil-rich deposits of Ryazan, Russia, this ammonite displays remarkable preservation and a stunning natural iridescence that shimmers with vibrant rainbow-like colours under light.

The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact fossil you will receive, accompanied by a 1 cm scale cube for accurate measurement reference. Every fossil in our collection is carefully selected and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance and ensuring it is a genuine piece of natural history.

Geological Background

This ammonite comes from the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic epoch, a time when vast shallow seas covered large areas of Europe and western Russia. These seas were home to a thriving diversity of marine life, and the conditions of deposition created ideal circumstances for fossilisation. The marine clays and marls of the Ryazan region are world-renowned for preserving ammonites with extraordinary detail, often including the rare survival of nacreous shell layers that create the striking iridescent sheen seen on this piece.

Ammonites from the Callovian are of particular scientific value, serving as index fossils that allow geologists to date and correlate sedimentary rock layers across wide regions.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Binatisphinctes
• Species: Binatisphinctes binatus
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Family: Perisphinctidae

The genus Binatisphinctes belongs to the family Perisphinctidae, a group known for their typically evolute shells with visible suture lines and ribbing. These ammonites were part of a diverse lineage that flourished throughout the Jurassic seas.

Morphological Features

This Binatisphinctes binatus fossil retains distinctive characteristics that identify the species:

• Evolute shell with wide whorls visible in cross-section.
• Strong, well-marked ribbing running across the shell, typical of Perisphinctidae.
• Detailed suture patterns, showing the complexity of septal divisions within the shell.
• Beautiful, naturally preserved iridescent nacre, which reflects shades of green, violet, and gold under light.

These traits not only make this ammonite scientifically important but also give it an aesthetic beauty that sets it apart as a display specimen.

Paleoecology and Lifestyle

Ammonites such as Binatisphinctes binatus were active marine cephalopods, closely related to modern squids and octopuses. They lived in the open water column, using their chambered shells for buoyancy control. These creatures were agile predators, feeding on small crustaceans, plankton, and other marine invertebrates.

The seas of the Middle Jurassic teemed with life, including marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and pliosaurs, which may have preyed upon ammonites. The ribbing and robust structure of ammonite shells likely provided both structural reinforcement and some degree of defence against predation.

Collector’s Value and Display

This specimen is a premium collector’s item, highly prized for its rarity, species, and natural iridescence. Fossils of Binatisphinctes binatus are less commonly found on the open market compared to other ammonite genera, and their aesthetic qualities combined with scientific importance make them especially desirable.

The vibrant iridescent shell surfaces make this ammonite an eye-catching piece suitable for display in any fossil collection, museum cabinet, or as a conversation piece in the home. Its provenance from the Ryazan deposits of Russia further enhances its value, as the locality is famous for yielding ammonites of exceptional quality.

Key Features

• Species: Binatisphinctes binatus
• Age: Middle Jurassic, Callovian stage (approx. 165 – 161 million years old)
• Origin: Ryazan, Russia
• Family: Perisphinctidae, Superfamily Perisphinctoidea
• Features: Evolute shell, ribbed ornamentation, detailed suture lines, iridescent nacre
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in photographs with 1 cm scale cube

This rare Binatisphinctes binatus ammonite offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, scientific value, and historical significance – an outstanding fossil for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.