Description
Rare Kosmoceras lithuanicum Ammonite Fossil from Russia
This is a rare Kosmoceras lithuanicum ammonite fossil from the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic, discovered in the Ryazan region of Russia. Dating back approximately 166 – 163 million years, this specimen offers a direct connection to the rich marine ecosystems of the Jurassic seas. Fossils of this species are highly valued for their intricate shell morphology, scientific importance, and scarcity, making them exceptional additions to both private collections and academic study.
The specimen pictured is the exact fossil you will receive, and its dimensions can be gauged from the included 1 cm scale cube. Every fossil we supply is a 100% genuine specimen, carefully chosen for quality and authenticity, and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Context – Callovian, Middle Jurassic
The Callovian stage represents a significant interval within the Middle Jurassic period, spanning from approximately 166 to 163 million years ago. This stage was characterised by widespread shallow marine basins across Europe and Russia, providing a diverse and productive environment for ammonites.
The Ryazan region of Russia is particularly noted for its Callovian fossil beds, which produce well-preserved ammonites such as Kosmoceras lithuanicum. These ammonites are especially important in biostratigraphy, as their relatively rapid evolutionary changes allow geologists to date rock layers with great precision. Specimens from this region are therefore both scientifically significant and highly sought after by collectors.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Kosmoceras
- Species: Kosmoceras lithuanicum
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
- Family: Kosmoceratidae
- Geological Stage: Callovian, Middle Jurassic (c. 166 – 163 million years ago)
- Locality: Ryazan, Russia
Morphological Features
The Kosmoceras lithuanicum ammonite is renowned for its distinctive shell structure, which displays several key features of paleontological interest:
- Strongly ribbed, evolute shell with visible whorl development.
- Tuberculate ornamentation along the ribs, characteristic of the genus Kosmoceras.
- Flattened venter and deep umbilicus, contributing to its recognisable morphology.
- Excellent preservation, allowing the ribbing and tuberculation to be studied in detail.
These features make it a valuable specimen for both collectors and researchers interested in Jurassic cephalopod evolution and paleoenvironments.
Paleoecological Significance
Ammonites such as Kosmoceras lithuanicum were nektonic marine predators, moving through the shallow seas of the Callovian in pursuit of smaller invertebrates. Their chambered shells provided buoyancy control, allowing them to adapt to varying depths in the water column.
The Kosmoceratidae family represents one of the more ornate and morphologically diverse ammonite groups of the Jurassic. As important index fossils, they are invaluable in correlating Callovian rock sequences across Europe and Russia, providing vital insights into Jurassic marine stratigraphy.
Collector’s Importance
A specimen like this Kosmoceras lithuanicum ammonite is not only a striking display fossil but also a scientifically valuable piece of natural history. Its rarity, combined with its preservation and geological provenance from Ryazan, Russia, makes it highly desirable.
Collectors prize Kosmoceras ammonites for their distinctive ribbing and tuberculate shells, while geologists and paleontologists value them for their role in understanding Middle Jurassic biostratigraphy and marine ecology. This piece blends natural beauty, scientific significance, and rarity in one authentic specimen.
Key Details
- Species: Kosmoceras lithuanicum
- Age: Callovian, Middle Jurassic (c. 166 – 163 million years old)
- Origin: Ryazan, Russia
- Family: Kosmoceratidae
- Distinctive ribbed and tuberculate shell morphology
- Exact specimen shown in photos with 1 cm scale cube
- Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
This rare Kosmoceras lithuanicum ammonite fossil is a true collector’s specimen, offering a unique glimpse into the Jurassic seas of Russia while showcasing the remarkable evolutionary diversity of ammonites.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.