Rare Hildoceras Ammonite Fossil, Middle Toarcian Stage Jurassic, Authentic Spain Collectors Piece with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Genuine Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing features a genuine Hildoceras Ammonite Fossil from the Middle Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic, discovered in Spain. Ammonites are extinct marine cephalopods belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea, close relatives of squid and cuttlefish. Their distinctive coiled, chambered shells make them some of the most recognisable and widely collected fossils in the world. This specimen has been carefully chosen for its preservation, and the photographs provided show the exact ammonite you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included for precise sizing.

Geological Context – Middle Toarcian, Jurassic

The Middle Toarcian, dating to approximately 178–177 million years ago, was a period that followed the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, a global episode that influenced marine ecosystems and caused significant evolutionary change. The region that is now Spain was at this time covered by shallow, warm seas that supported abundant marine life, leaving behind fossil-rich deposits where ammonites are preserved in fine detail.

Ammonites from the Toarcian are especially important because they serve as index fossils. Their rapid evolutionary development and wide geographic spread make them invaluable for correlating rock layers and dating Jurassic strata across Europe. The presence of Hildoceras is therefore significant both scientifically and as a collector’s specimen.

Species Profile – Hildoceras

The genus Hildoceras belongs to the family Hildoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea and order Ammonitida. This group is highly characteristic of Toarcian ammonite faunas and is widely used to define ammonite biozones within the Jurassic.

Key identifying features of Hildoceras ammonites include:

• A compressed, involute shell with narrow whorls and a sharp keel.
• Prominent, closely spaced ribs crossing the flanks and converging on the keel.
• A strongly defined venter with keel that would have stabilised swimming.
• Intricate suture lines, visible in well-preserved specimens, marking the septal chambers.

These features combine to give Hildoceras its distinctive appearance, making it easily identifiable for collectors and paleontologists.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Importance

During the Middle Toarcian, Hildoceras lived as a nektonic predator in the shallow seas of the Iberian Peninsula. Actively swimming through the water column, it preyed upon smaller marine invertebrates. Upon death, the shells sank to the seabed, where rapid burial in fine sediments ensured their fossilisation and preservation for nearly 180 million years.

The scientific importance of Hildoceras lies in its role as a biozonal marker for the Middle Toarcian. Its restricted stratigraphic range allows geologists to date rock formations with precision and to correlate layers across different regions. For collectors, this makes owning such a specimen a chance to hold a tangible marker of Earth’s deep geological history.

100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ensures your ammonite is an authentic Jurassic fossil from Spain and not a cast or reproduction.

A Collector’s and Display Fossil

This Hildoceras ammonite fossil from the Middle Toarcian of Spain is a superb addition for any fossil collector, geology enthusiast, or educational collection. With its striking ribbing, sharp keel, and authentic provenance, it represents both scientific value and natural beauty, making it ideal for display and study.

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