Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

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Rare Harpoceras subplanatum Ammonite Fossil, Middle Toarcian Stage Jurassic, Authentic Aveyron France Collectors Specimen with COA

Rare Harpoceras subplanatum Ammonite Fossil, Middle Toarcian Stage Jurassic, Authentic Aveyron France Collectors Specimen with COA

£9.00

Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing is for a genuine Harpoceras subplanatum Ammonite Fossil from the Middle Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic period, discovered in Aveyron, France. Ammonites are extinct marine cephalopods within the subclass Ammonoidea, relatives of squid and cuttlefish. They are among the most iconic fossils in paleontology, with their spiralled, chambered shells representing both scientific significance and natural beauty. This carefully chosen specimen displays the distinct features of the genus Harpoceras, and the photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included for accurate measurement.

Geological Context – Middle Toarcian, Jurassic

The Middle Toarcian, approximately 180–177 million years ago, followed the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, a period of significant environmental and evolutionary change. The marine deposits of southern France, particularly in Aveyron, are renowned for their rich ammonite faunas, preserved in fine sediments of shallow epicontinental seas. These strata capture a diverse array of ammonites, making them vital for understanding Jurassic marine ecosystems and biostratigraphy.

Ammonites from the Middle Toarcian are of particular importance as index fossils. Their rapid evolutionary turnover and wide geographic distribution allow scientists to subdivide the Jurassic into precise ammonite zones and correlate rock layers across Europe. Fossils such as Harpoceras subplanatum are therefore crucial to both collectors and researchers.

Species Profile – Harpoceras subplanatum

The species Harpoceras subplanatum belongs to the family Hildoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea, order Ammonitida. The genus Harpoceras is distinguished by its compressed, evolute shells, sharp ribbing, and prominent keel, features that made it highly adapted to life as a swift, nektonic predator.

Key identifying traits of Harpoceras subplanatum include:

  • Strongly ribbed shell with ribs extending across the flanks to the keel.
  • A compressed, planispiral whorl profile with moderately involute coiling.
  • A sharp keel running along the venter, enhancing hydrodynamic movement.
  • Suture lines that exhibit the complex internal chamber structure of ammonites.

These features not only allow for confident identification of Harpoceras subplanatum but also provide aesthetic appeal, making it a striking fossil for collectors.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Importance

During the Middle Toarcian, southern France was covered by shallow, warm seas that supported diverse marine life, including ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles. Ammonites like Harpoceras subplanatum were nektonic, swimming actively in the water column and preying on smaller organisms. When they died, their shells sank to the seafloor and were buried in fine sediments, preserving them for millions of years.

The significance of Harpoceras subplanatum lies not only in its beauty but also in its role as a marker fossil for Middle Toarcian biozones. Its presence provides paleontologists with a powerful tool for dating and correlating Jurassic strata across Europe, ensuring its importance in both research and private collections.

100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ammonite is not a cast or reproduction but an authentic relic of Earth’s Jurassic seas, preserved in natural stone for over 177 million years.

A Collector’s and Display Fossil

This Harpoceras subplanatum ammonite fossil from Aveyron, France is an exceptional specimen for fossil enthusiasts, geology students, and collectors of natural history. Its scientific value, distinctive morphology, and historical importance make it a prized addition to any fossil collection or display.

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

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: SF1231 Category:

Description

Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing is for a genuine Harpoceras subplanatum Ammonite Fossil from the Middle Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic period, discovered in Aveyron, France. Ammonites are extinct marine cephalopods within the subclass Ammonoidea, relatives of squid and cuttlefish. They are among the most iconic fossils in paleontology, with their spiralled, chambered shells representing both scientific significance and natural beauty. This carefully chosen specimen displays the distinct features of the genus Harpoceras, and the photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included for accurate measurement.

Geological Context – Middle Toarcian, Jurassic

The Middle Toarcian, approximately 180–177 million years ago, followed the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, a period of significant environmental and evolutionary change. The marine deposits of southern France, particularly in Aveyron, are renowned for their rich ammonite faunas, preserved in fine sediments of shallow epicontinental seas. These strata capture a diverse array of ammonites, making them vital for understanding Jurassic marine ecosystems and biostratigraphy.

Ammonites from the Middle Toarcian are of particular importance as index fossils. Their rapid evolutionary turnover and wide geographic distribution allow scientists to subdivide the Jurassic into precise ammonite zones and correlate rock layers across Europe. Fossils such as Harpoceras subplanatum are therefore crucial to both collectors and researchers.

Species Profile – Harpoceras subplanatum

The species Harpoceras subplanatum belongs to the family Hildoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea, order Ammonitida. The genus Harpoceras is distinguished by its compressed, evolute shells, sharp ribbing, and prominent keel, features that made it highly adapted to life as a swift, nektonic predator.

Key identifying traits of Harpoceras subplanatum include:

  • Strongly ribbed shell with ribs extending across the flanks to the keel.
  • A compressed, planispiral whorl profile with moderately involute coiling.
  • A sharp keel running along the venter, enhancing hydrodynamic movement.
  • Suture lines that exhibit the complex internal chamber structure of ammonites.

These features not only allow for confident identification of Harpoceras subplanatum but also provide aesthetic appeal, making it a striking fossil for collectors.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Importance

During the Middle Toarcian, southern France was covered by shallow, warm seas that supported diverse marine life, including ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles. Ammonites like Harpoceras subplanatum were nektonic, swimming actively in the water column and preying on smaller organisms. When they died, their shells sank to the seafloor and were buried in fine sediments, preserving them for millions of years.

The significance of Harpoceras subplanatum lies not only in its beauty but also in its role as a marker fossil for Middle Toarcian biozones. Its presence provides paleontologists with a powerful tool for dating and correlating Jurassic strata across Europe, ensuring its importance in both research and private collections.

100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ammonite is not a cast or reproduction but an authentic relic of Earth’s Jurassic seas, preserved in natural stone for over 177 million years.

A Collector’s and Display Fossil

This Harpoceras subplanatum ammonite fossil from Aveyron, France is an exceptional specimen for fossil enthusiasts, geology students, and collectors of natural history. Its scientific value, distinctive morphology, and historical importance make it a prized addition to any fossil collection or display.

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

Additional information

Era

Jurassic
Origin

France

Jurassic Information

The Jurassic Period (201–145 million years ago) was the golden age of dinosaurs, with iconic species like Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus dominating the land. It was a time of warm, humid climates, with high sea levels that created vast shallow seas, supporting abundant marine reptiles, ammonites, and early coral reefs. The first birds, such as Archaeopteryx, evolved from small theropod dinosaurs, while early mammals remained small and nocturnal. Lush forests of cycads, conifers, and ferns covered the land, providing food for giant herbivores. The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea accelerated, shaping Earth's geography and setting the stage for the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous.

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