RARE Fossil Ammonite Cadoceras milaschevici – Middle Callovian, Jurassic – Volga, Russia – Certified Authentic – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

RARE FOSSIL AMMONITE – Cadoceras milaschevici

Middle Callovian Stage | Jurassic Period

VOLGA REGION, RUSSIA

This listing features a beautifully preserved and rare specimen of the Jurassic ammonite Cadoceras milaschevici, originating from the Volga Region of Russia. This species is a well-recognized index fossil from the Middle Callovian Stage of the Jurassic Period, dating to approximately 164–161 million years ago.

This particular piece comes from the notable Alice Purnell Collection and includes a Certificate of Authenticity. The actual fossil in the photo is what you will receive, and a 1cm scale cube is shown for size reference — please view the listing images for full measurements and detail.

GEOLOGICAL & TAXONOMIC DETAILS:

• Species: Cadoceras milaschevici
• Geological Period: Jurassic
• Stage: Middle Callovian (~164–161 Ma)
• Formation: Likely from silty marine clays and marls of the Volga basin Jurassic sequence
• Location Found: Volga River Region, European Russia
• Depositional Environment: Epicontinental marine shelf; low-energy offshore basin with excellent fossil preservation
• Biozone: Typically associated with the Cadoceras elatmae and Pavlovia zones in Russian stratigraphy
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
• Family: Cardioceratidae
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Phylum: Mollusca

MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES:

Cadoceras milaschevici exhibits the classic morphology of Cardioceratid ammonites:

• Evolute shell with open coiling and wide umbilicus
• Sharp, ribbed ornamentation, often with bifurcating primary ribs that cross the flanks and venter
• Robust, compressed whorls with a distinct keel
• Suture lines with complex, deeply incised lobes and saddles – diagnostic of its group

This species is particularly valued by collectors and stratigraphers for its role in subdividing the Middle Callovian stratigraphy of northern Europe and western Russia.

PALEONTOLOGICAL CONTEXT:

The Volga River region is one of the most fossiliferous Jurassic sites in Russia. It yields superb ammonite preservation, often in pyritic or ferruginous concretions within marine clays. Fossils from this region are notable for their detail and completeness due to the favourable burial conditions.

Cadoceras milaschevici was first described in Russian literature in the early 20th century and has been widely referenced in regional biostratigraphy. It represents a time of marine transgression across the Russian Platform, and its fossil record contributes significantly to understanding Jurassic palaeogeography in Eurasia.

SPECIMEN SUMMARY:

• Species: Cadoceras milaschevici
• Age: Middle Callovian, Jurassic (~164–161 Ma)
• Location: Volga River Basin, Russia
• Stratigraphy: Associated with the Cadoceras biozones
• Preservation: Sharp ribbing, strong detail, solid condition
• Authenticity: Certificate of Authenticity included
• Collection: Alice Purnell
• Reference Scale: 1cm cube in photos for accurate sizing

A truly rare and striking example of Cadoceras milaschevici, this fossil is ideal for collectors focused on Jurassic ammonites, Russian paleontology, or biozone-relevant specimens. It combines scientific value with natural beauty, making it a highlight in any collection.