RARE Fossil Ammonite Chondroceras orbignyanum – Middle Bajocian, Jurassic – Chandon, France – Certified – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

RARE FOSSIL AMMONITE – Chondroceras orbignyanum

Middle Bajocian Stage | Middle Jurassic (~169–170 million years ago)

Locality: Chandon, France

From the Alice Purnell Collection

Includes Certificate of Authenticity

We are pleased to offer this rare and scientifically significant fossil ammonite – Chondroceras orbignyanum, collected from the Middle Bajocian deposits of Chandon, France. This species is notable for its well-preserved ribbing and classic Jurassic form, representing an important genus in Middle Jurassic biostratigraphy.

This is a genuine fossil specimen, expertly selected for clarity and preservation. The photograph displays the exact item you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube for reference. Please consult the listing image for full sizing.

GEOLOGICAL & TAXONOMIC DETAILS:

• Species: Chondroceras orbignyanum
• Family: Morphoceratidae
• Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Geological Stage: Middle Bajocian (Middle Jurassic)
• Estimated Age: ~169–170 million years
• Stratigraphy: Occurs in marl and limestone formations typical of the Bajocian in the Paris Basin
• Likely Biozone: Parkinsoni Zone or associated subzones
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine shelf setting with relatively calm waters and fine sediments, ideal for the preservation of aragonitic shells

MORPHOLOGY & FEATURES:

• Shell Form: Strongly evolute, with broad umbilicus
• Ribbing: Fine, close-spaced ribs radiating regularly across the flanks, often bifurcating mid-flank
• Whorl Section: Rounded to subquadrate
• Ornamentation: No prominent tubercles or keels, typical of the genus
• Notable: Species often used in zonal definitions and biostratigraphic correlation across European Bajocian successions
• Scientific History: Chondroceras orbignyanum has historically been used in biostratigraphic mapping and appears in classical palaeontological literature

COLLECTOR & DISPLAY VALUE:

This is a genuinely rare ammonite fossil from a historically important Jurassic site in France, housed previously in the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection. Its condition and identification make it ideal for serious collectors, educational institutions, or enthusiasts of European Jurassic ammonites.

Your fossil is 100% genuine, and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

SPECIMEN DETAILS:

• Species: Chondroceras orbignyanum
• Age: Middle Bajocian, ~169–170 Ma
• Locality: Chandon, France
• Formation: Likely from the marl-limestone interbeds of the Bajocian sequence
• Provenance: Alice Purnell Collection
• Condition: Fine preservation with clearly defined morphological features
• Display: Scale cube = 1cm shown in photo
• Authenticity: Certificate included

This is a fine example of a lesser-seen ammonite species, ideal for enhancing any fossil collection or as a showcase piece representing a key time in Jurassic marine history.