Rare Harpoceras elegans Ammonite Fossil, Aalenian Stage Jurassic, Authentic Morocco Collectors Piece with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Genuine Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing offers a genuine Harpoceras elegans Ammonite Fossil from the Aalenian Stage of the Middle Jurassic, collected in Morocco. Ammonites were marine cephalopods within the subclass Ammonoidea, closely related to squid and cuttlefish. Their coiled, chambered shells are among the most iconic fossils in paleontology, admired for their beauty and valued for their scientific significance. The specimen offered here has been carefully chosen for its preservation and clarity. The photographs show the exact ammonite you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for accurate measurement.

Geological Context – Aalenian, Jurassic

The Aalenian Stage, dating to around 174–170 million years ago, marks the beginning of the Middle Jurassic. During this time, much of North Africa, including what is now Morocco, was covered by shallow, warm seas that supported a rich diversity of marine life. Fine-grained sediments deposited in these environments provided excellent conditions for the preservation of ammonites such as Harpoceras elegans.

Ammonites from the Aalenian are of particular scientific importance as index fossils. Their rapid evolutionary turnover and wide distribution allow geologists to subdivide the Jurassic into detailed ammonite biozones. Fossils like Harpoceras elegans are therefore vital for correlating strata between different regions of Europe and North Africa.

Species Profile – Harpoceras elegans

The species Harpoceras elegans belongs to the family Hildoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea and order Ammonitida. This genus is highly distinctive due to its compressed shell structure, strong ribbing, and well-defined keel.

Key identifying traits of Harpoceras elegans include:

• A compressed, involute planispiral shell with sharp ribbing.
• Prominent ribs that sweep elegantly across the flanks and converge on a keel.
• A narrow venter with a distinct keel that contributed to hydrodynamic movement.
• Intricate suture lines marking the internal chamber divisions of the shell.

These characteristics give Harpoceras elegans both scientific value in Jurassic stratigraphy and aesthetic appeal as a collector’s fossil.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Importance

During the Aalenian, ammonites like Harpoceras elegans thrived as nektonic predators in the shallow epicontinental seas of the Tethys Ocean. They actively swam through the water column, preying on smaller marine invertebrates. After death, their shells settled onto the seafloor and were buried in sediments, where mineralisation preserved them for over 170 million years.

The presence of Harpoceras elegans in Moroccan strata is particularly significant for paleontologists because it helps define ammonite biozones of the Aalenian Stage. Its restricted stratigraphic range and distinctive morphology make it one of the key markers for Jurassic marine sequences in both Africa and Europe.

100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This specimen is not a reproduction or cast but an authentic ammonite fossil from Jurassic seas of Morocco, preserved naturally for millions of years.

A Collector’s and Display Fossil

This Harpoceras elegans ammonite fossil from the Aalenian Stage of Morocco is a remarkable addition to any collection of fossils or natural history. Its distinctive ribbing, scientific importance, and geological provenance make it a perfect specimen for collectors, educators, or display purposes.

Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1 cm. Please see listing photos for the full sizing of this exact specimen.