RARE Lamberticeras nacre iridescent Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Callovian Russia Genuine Specimen

Description

Rare Lamberticeras nacre Iridescent Fossil Ammonite from Russia

This listing presents a rare and genuine Lamberticeras nacre Fossil Ammonite, dating from the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic, discovered in the famous fossil deposits of Saratow, Russia. This exceptional specimen displays natural nacreous iridescence, producing shimmering flashes of green, red, purple, and gold, making it one of the most striking and desirable types of ammonite.

The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing. All of our fossils are carefully selected, 100% authentic specimens, and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete assurance.

Geological Age and Provenance

This ammonite originates from the Callovian stage of the Jurassic period, approximately 166 – 161 million years ago. The Callovian is renowned for its diverse ammonite faunas, many of which serve as important index fossils for correlating Jurassic strata across Europe and Russia.

The Saratow region of Russia is world-famous for its deposits of beautifully preserved ammonites, particularly those retaining their nacreous shell layers. Under exceptional preservation conditions, these layers fossilised with their optical properties intact, producing the vibrant iridescence that makes specimens like this so highly prized among collectors.

Scientific Classification and Identification

This specimen is identified as Lamberticeras nacre, belonging to the family Perisphinctidae, within the order Ammonitida and the superfamily Perisphinctoidea. Ammonites within this group are well known for their evolute shell design, with whorls exposed and ribbing that often bifurcates along the flanks.

Lamberticeras is a significant genus within Callovian ammonite faunas and is often studied in biostratigraphy due to its distinctive morphology and restricted stratigraphic range. Its presence in the Saratow beds further enhances its scientific value, while the rare preservation of nacre sets this fossil apart as a collector’s treasure.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

The morphological traits of Lamberticeras nacre ammonites include:

• Evolute shell coiling, with exposed earlier whorls.
• Strong ribbing, often bifurcating from the umbilical edge.
• Compressed whorl section, giving the shell a refined and symmetrical appearance.
• Nacreous iridescence, with vibrant rainbow-like colours reflecting from the preserved shell surface.

The iridescence is not merely aesthetic but represents one of the rarest forms of preservation in ammonites, caused by fossilised layers of aragonitic nacre. This natural display of colour makes the specimen both scientifically unique and visually breathtaking.

Depositional Environment

The Jurassic seas of Saratow were shallow epicontinental marine environments, where fine silts and clays accumulated. These conditions enabled rapid burial of ammonite shells, preserving their structural integrity. In rare cases, chemical stability in the sediments allowed nacreous layers to survive fossilisation, producing ammonites with iridescent shells. Fossils from this locality are therefore internationally recognised for their quality and beauty.

Collectible and Scientific Importance

Specimens of Lamberticeras nacre with preserved iridescence are extremely rare and command high regard among collectors and institutions alike. They offer a unique blend of scientific value, as index fossils of the Callovian, and aesthetic appeal, as natural works of art preserved for over 160 million years.

For collectors, this fossil is more than a specimen—it is a genuine piece of geological history and a natural jewel, displaying rainbow colours locked in stone since the Jurassic seas covered the region of modern-day Russia.

Key Features of This Fossil

• Rare Lamberticeras nacre ammonite from Saratow, Russia
• Middle Jurassic (Callovian stage), approx. 166 – 161 million years old
• Member of the Perisphinctidae family, with ribbed, evolute shell form
• Preserved with natural nacreous iridescence showing rainbow colours
• Important index fossil for Callovian stratigraphy
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• The exact specimen pictured is the one you will receive

This Lamberticeras nacre iridescent Fossil Ammonite is a rare and extraordinary piece, combining geological importance, natural beauty, and scientific heritage into one stunning specimen.