Rare Canavarella scissum Ammonite Fossil, Lower Bajocian Stage Jurassic, Authentic Normandy France Collectors Specimen with COA

Description

Genuine Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing features a genuine Canavarella scissum Ammonite Fossil from the Lower Bajocian Stage of the Middle Jurassic, discovered in Normandy, France. Ammonites are extinct marine cephalopods belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea, relatives of squid and cuttlefish. Their spiral, chambered shells are among the most recognisable fossils in paleontology and are highly prized both for their beauty and for their use as important tools in geology. The specimen offered here has been carefully selected for its preservation and clarity, and the photographs show the exact ammonite you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is provided for accurate sizing.

Geological Context – Lower Bajocian, Jurassic

The Bajocian Stage, dating to approximately 170–168 million years ago, represents the early part of the Middle Jurassic. It was a time of warm, shallow seas covering much of Europe, creating the perfect environment for ammonites to thrive. The Normandy region is particularly well known for its fossil-rich Jurassic deposits, where fine sediments preserved marine life in remarkable detail.

The Bajocian is an especially important stage in stratigraphy because ammonites from this period serve as index fossils. Their rapid evolution and widespread distribution enable geologists to precisely subdivide the Jurassic and correlate strata across Europe. Fossils like Canavarella scissum therefore play an essential role in reconstructing Earth’s ancient history.

Species Profile – Canavarella scissum

The ammonite Canavarella scissum belongs to the family Stephanoceratidae, within the superfamily Stephanoceratoidea and the order Ammonitida. Members of this family are noted for their bold ribbing, distinctive ornamentation, and evolute shell forms.

Key features of Canavarella scissum include:

• Strong, bifurcating ribs radiating across the flanks, often ending at tubercles near the venter.
• An evolute shell with visible inner whorls, typical of the Stephanoceratidae family.
• A robust, planispiral structure with well-developed whorl expansion.
• Complex suture lines marking the intricate internal structure of the shell chambers.

These morphological traits make C. scissum both an important stratigraphic marker and a visually striking ammonite fossil for collectors.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Importance

During the Lower Bajocian, the Normandy region was submerged beneath shallow epicontinental seas. Ammonites such as Canavarella scissum lived as nektonic predators, swimming actively in the marine waters and feeding on smaller invertebrates. When they died, their shells sank to the seabed, where they were quickly buried in fine sediments, preserving them for nearly 170 million years.

The presence of C. scissum is significant in paleontology because it helps define specific ammonite biozones within the Bajocian Stage. These biozones are crucial for establishing detailed correlations between rock sequences in different parts of Europe. For collectors, this means owning not only a beautiful fossil but also a scientifically valuable specimen tied directly to Earth’s deep-time history.

100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ensures that your ammonite is an authentic Jurassic fossil from Normandy, France, and not a cast or reproduction.

A Collector’s and Display Fossil

This Canavarella scissum ammonite fossil from the Lower Bajocian of Normandy, France is an excellent addition to any fossil collection, educational display, or natural history showcase. Its bold ribbing, robust form, and scientific importance make it a standout specimen that will appeal to both amateur enthusiasts and serious collectors alike.

Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1 cm. Please see listing photos for the full sizing of this exact specimen.