Rare Hildaites Ammonite Fossil, Lower Bajocian Stage Jurassic, Authentic Normandy France Collectors Piece with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Genuine Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing features a genuine Hildaites Ammonite Fossil from the Lower Bajocian Stage of the Middle Jurassic, collected in Normandy, France. Ammonites were extinct marine cephalopods belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea, closely related to squid and cuttlefish. Their distinctive coiled, chambered shells make them some of the most iconic fossils, valued by both collectors and paleontologists for their beauty and their role in understanding Earth’s ancient history. The photographs provided show the exact ammonite you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for precise measurement.

Geological Context – Lower Bajocian, Jurassic

The Lower Bajocian, dating to around 170 million years ago, represents one of the earliest intervals of the Middle Jurassic. This stage followed the Aalenian and marked a time of recovery and diversification of marine life in Europe’s shallow seas. The Normandy region is particularly rich in Jurassic fossil beds, preserving ammonites and other marine organisms in fine detail within limestone and marl deposits.

Ammonites from the Bajocian are especially important as index fossils. Their rapid evolutionary changes and widespread distribution make them indispensable in stratigraphy, helping geologists divide the Jurassic into precise biozones and correlate layers across different regions. Fossils such as Hildaites are highly valued for their role in reconstructing the geological history of Europe’s Jurassic seas.

Species Profile – Hildaites

The genus Hildaites belongs to the family Hildoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea and order Ammonitida. Ammonites of this genus are typically characterised by their compressed shells, evolute to moderately involute coiling, and strong ribbing. These features make them easily recognisable and scientifically significant within Bajocian ammonite faunas.

Key identifying traits of Hildaites ammonites include:

• A compressed, planispiral shell with distinctive ribbing.
• Whorls that are moderately involute, partially covering earlier inner whorls.
• Ribs that extend across the flanks towards the venter, often bifurcating.
• A sharp keel along the venter, enhancing hydrodynamic efficiency.
• Clearly defined suture lines representing the internal chamber divisions.

These features make Hildaites not only a striking fossil for collectors but also an essential genus in ammonite zonation schemes of the Lower Bajocian.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Importance

During the Bajocian, the area now known as Normandy was submerged beneath shallow, warm seas. Ammonites like Hildaites thrived as nektonic predators, actively swimming in the marine waters and feeding on smaller organisms. After death, their shells sank to the seabed, where fine sediments quickly buried them, allowing for exceptional preservation.

Hildaites ammonites are especially significant in defining specific biozones within the Bajocian Stage, allowing paleontologists to date rocks with precision. Their presence provides insight into evolutionary patterns and paleoecology during a crucial phase of Jurassic marine development.

100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ensures that your ammonite is an authentic relic of the Jurassic seas, preserved naturally for millions of years, and not a cast or reproduction.

A Collector’s and Display Fossil

This Hildaites ammonite fossil from the Lower Bajocian of Normandy, France is an excellent addition for fossil collectors, geology enthusiasts, and educators alike. Its scientific importance, geological provenance, and striking ribbed morphology make it a standout specimen for any collection or display.

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