RARE Fossil Ammonite Morrisiceras sphaera – Bathonian, Jurassic – Winberg, Germany – Certified – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

RARE FOSSIL AMMONITE – Morrisiceras sphaera – BATHONIAN STAGE, JURASSIC – WINBERG, GERMANY

Offered here is a beautifully preserved and scientifically significant ammonite fossil: Morrisiceras sphaera, originating from the Bathonian stage of the Middle Jurassic, dating to approximately 168–166 million years ago. This classic ammonite specimen was unearthed from the well-known Winberg locality in Germany, a region long celebrated for its marine Bathonian deposits and diverse fossil fauna.

This specimen forms part of the esteemed Alice Purnell Collection, and is a genuine, carefully selected piece shown clearly in the photographs—you will receive the exact fossil pictured. The accompanying images feature a scale cube (1cm) for precise size reference. A Certificate of Authenticity is included with every fossil.

GEOLOGICAL & TAXONOMIC INFORMATION:

• Species: Morrisiceras sphaera
• Genus: Morrisiceras
• Geological Period: Jurassic
• Stage: Middle Jurassic – Bathonian
• Age Range: Approximately 168 to 166 million years ago
• Location: Winberg, Germany
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine shelf; likely formed in a carbonate-rich, low-energy setting with excellent conditions for fossilisation
• Family: Sonniniidae
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Biozone (likely): Closely associated with the Morrisiceras biozones within the mid-Bathonian ammonite succession
• Formally Described by: Commonly attributed to early 20th-century European Jurassic researchers (exact authority not specified)

MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES:

Morrisiceras sphaera is characterised by its spherically coiled shell, with rounded, inflated whorls, and relatively fine ribbing that sometimes becomes obsolete toward the venter. The species name sphaera refers to its notably globular shell shape, which helps differentiate it from more compressed or evolute ammonites of the same stage.

Its compact form, symmetry, and rib structure make it a desirable collector’s piece and an excellent example for teaching or display, especially as a representative of Bathonian zonal ammonites.

WHY THIS FOSSIL IS SPECIAL:

• Authentic Morrisiceras sphaera from the Bathonian of Germany
• Rare and collectible ammonite with zonal significance
• Preserved with natural detail in original matrix
• Ideal for collectors, educators, or museums
• From the historically significant Alice Purnell Collection
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity

SUMMARY:

• Species: Morrisiceras sphaera
• Age: Middle Jurassic, Bathonian (~168–166 Ma)
• Locality: Winberg, Germany
• Formation/Setting: Marine carbonate sediments
• Preservation: Fine detail with original matrix, fully natural
• Provenance: Alice Purnell Collection
• Photographed With: 1cm scale cube for reference
• Authenticity: Fully certified, 100% genuine fossil specimen

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a rare ammonite from one of the key stages of the Jurassic, combining scientific value with striking natural beauty.