Description
RARE Fossil Ammonite – Physodoceras
Lower Kimmeridgian Stage, Upper Jurassic – Hausen an der Donau, Germany
This exceptional fossil is a genuine specimen of Physodoceras, a rare genus of ammonite from the Lower Kimmeridgian stage of the Upper Jurassic, discovered near Hausen an der Donau, Germany. Carefully selected for its detail and preservation, this ammonite represents an important and beautiful example of Jurassic marine life.
Geological and Palaeontological Context:
- Scientific Name: Physodoceras sp.
- Geological Period: Jurassic
- Stage: Lower Kimmeridgian (~157–154 million years ago)
- Location Found: Hausen an der Donau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Depositional Environment: This specimen was deposited in a shallow marine shelf environment of the Jurassic Tethys Ocean, which was rich in nektonic life such as ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles. The fine-grained limestones and marls of the region are known for their excellent fossil preservation.
- Lithology: Typically found in micritic limestones or calcareous marls with subtle bedding features and occasional concretionary nodules.
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
- Family: Aspidoceratidae
- Genus: Physodoceras
- Formal Description: First described by Douvillé, late 19th century.
Morphology & Diagnostic Features:
- The Physodoceras genus is recognised for its large, compressed, and evolute shell with prominent, spaced ribbing.
- Whorl section is typically subrectangular to rounded, with distinctive ventral keels or smooth venter, depending on growth stage.
- Ribbing may be bifurcate or alternate, fading near the venter.
- Sutures exhibit complex, frilled patterns typical of Aspidoceratids, aiding identification.
- Specimens of Physodoceras are often used in biostratigraphy due to their well-defined temporal range.
Biozone & Stratigraphic Significance:
Specimens of Physodoceras are frequently found in the Platynota Zone of the Lower Kimmeridgian. This zone is a key stratigraphic marker in European Jurassic successions and is widely referenced in ammonite biostratigraphy.
Scientific and Collectible Value:
- Rare and well-preserved Physodoceras specimens are desirable for both scientific study and fossil collections.
- As part of the Aspidoceratidae, these ammonites link well to palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of the Tethyan marine ecosystems.
- Excellent for collectors seeking uncommon ammonites from Germany or focusing on Upper Jurassic marine faunas.
Specimen Information:
- Scale Reference: Scale cube shown = 1 cm
- Authenticity: 100% Genuine Fossil
- Certificate: Includes Certificate of Authenticity
- Condition: Professionally prepared, with visible suture and rib features
- Photograph: The image shows the exact specimen you will receive
Summary:
This Physodoceras ammonite is a rare and beautifully preserved specimen from the Lower Kimmeridgian of southern Germany. Its diagnostic features and biostratigraphic value make it a standout addition to any collection of Jurassic fossils or ammonites. A genuine collector-grade fossil with educational and visual appeal.






Reviews
There are no reviews yet.