Rare Fossil Ammonite Kosmoceras annulatum Genuine Jurassic Callovian Germany

Description

Rare Fossil Ammonite – Kosmoceras annulatum

This listing is for a stunning and rare Fossil Ammonite of the species Kosmoceras annulatum, discovered in Ballingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Dating to the Callovian stage of the Jurassic Period, approximately 164–161 million years ago, this specimen captures the beauty and scientific importance of one of Europe’s most distinctive ammonites. Well preserved and carefully selected, it provides a glimpse into the thriving marine ecosystems that once covered southern Germany during the Middle Jurassic.

The Species – Kosmoceras annulatum

Kosmoceras belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Stephanoceratoidea, and Family Kosmoceratidae. The species annulatum is particularly recognised for its striking ribbed shell with annulated, or ring-like, ornamentation. These features made Kosmoceras annulatum one of the most iconic ammonites of the Callovian stage and an important index fossil for stratigraphic studies. Its distinctive morphology makes it both scientifically valuable and visually impressive, appealing equally to researchers, collectors, and enthusiasts of natural history.

Geological Context – Callovian, Jurassic Period

The fossil comes from the Callovian stage of the Jurassic, approximately 164–161 million years ago, a time when southern Germany formed part of a shallow inland sea connected to the greater Tethys Ocean. The region of Ballingen, Baden-Württemberg is well known for its fossil-bearing deposits that yield a diverse assemblage of ammonites, bivalves, brachiopods, and marine reptiles. The depositional environment was a calm marine basin where fine sediments accumulated, preserving ammonites in remarkable detail. These conditions allowed the preservation of intricate shell features that remain visible today.

Morphological Features of the Fossil

This Kosmoceras annulatum specimen exhibits the key traits of the species:

• Planispiral coiling, with tightly wound symmetrical whorls.
• Distinctive annulated ribbing, giving the shell its characteristic banded appearance.
• Strongly ornamented growth lines, highlighting the complexity of the shell structure.
• Visible suture lines, the intricate connections between shell chambers, which reflect evolutionary adaptations for buoyancy and strength.

The specimen is photographed with a 1 cm scale cube, clearly showing its dimensions. The fossil in the images is the exact specimen you will receive, chosen for its preservation and clarity of features.

Scientific Importance

Ammonites such as Kosmoceras annulatum are vital for paleontological research because they serve as biostratigraphic markers, allowing geologists to date and correlate Jurassic rock layers with precision. The Callovian biozones are defined in part by Kosmoceras species, underlining their role in refining the geological timescale. Fossils from this genus are widely studied in European stratigraphy, making this specimen not only a collector’s treasure but also a scientifically meaningful piece.

Provenance and Authenticity

• Species: Kosmoceras annulatum
• Age: Callovian, Jurassic (164–161 million years old)
• Locality: Ballingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Family: Kosmoceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Why This Fossil is Exceptional

• A rare example of Kosmoceras annulatum, with well-preserved annulated ribbing.
• From the classic Callovian deposits of Ballingen, a world-renowned German locality.
• Highly desirable for collectors, educators, and display purposes.
• Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance and genuineness.

This rare Kosmoceras annulatum ammonite fossil offers a tangible connection to the Jurassic seas of Europe, representing both natural beauty and scientific heritage.