Rare Lunuloceras lunula Ammonite Fossil Callovian Jurassic Russia Genuine Specimen

Description

Rare Lunuloceras lunula Ammonite Fossil from Russia

This is a rare Lunuloceras lunula ammonite fossil, originating from the Lower Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic and found in Russia. Dating to approximately 166 – 163 million years ago, this specimen provides an extraordinary glimpse into the ancient marine environments that flourished during the Jurassic period. Carefully preserved and naturally detailed, this fossil is a valuable acquisition for both collectors and those with a keen interest in paleontology.

The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included to give accurate sizing. All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing their authenticity and provenance.

Geological Context – Lower Callovian, Jurassic

The Callovian stage sits within the Middle Jurassic and is a critical period in Earth’s history, marking significant diversification of ammonite faunas across Europe and Asia. The Russian deposits where this Lunuloceras lunula ammonite was discovered are particularly well known for their rich and diverse assemblages of marine fossils, including ammonites, bivalves, and other cephalopods.

These ammonites thrived in warm, shallow epicontinental seas that covered large areas of Eurasia during the Jurassic. Fine marine sediments allowed for excellent preservation, often capturing the fine ribbing and surface details that make ammonites such visually striking and scientifically valuable fossils.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Lunuloceras
• Species: Lunuloceras lunula
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Family: Oppeliidae
• Geological Stage: Lower Callovian, Middle Jurassic (c. 166 – 163 million years ago)
• Locality: Russia

Morphological Features

This Lunuloceras lunula ammonite displays several distinctive traits typical of the genus:

• Compressed shell with fine ribbing, a hallmark of this species, preserved in remarkable detail.
• Evolute coiling, with earlier whorls clearly visible, showcasing the ammonite’s growth.
• A narrow whorl section and distinctive rib patterns that reflect both evolutionary adaptations and diagnostic features for identification.
• Surface ornamentation and suture lines preserved in the matrix, enhancing both scientific value and aesthetic appeal.

These features make the specimen not only scientifically informative but also highly decorative, appealing to collectors who value visual beauty alongside paleontological importance.

Paleoecological Importance

As a free-swimming cephalopod, Lunuloceras lunula played an active role in the food chain of Jurassic seas. It would have hunted small marine organisms such as crustaceans, mollusks, and plankton. Its coiled chambered shell allowed for buoyancy control, enabling it to navigate through the shallow epicontinental seas where it thrived.

From a geological perspective, ammonites like Lunuloceras are important index fossils for the Callovian stage. Their well-defined evolutionary sequences and relatively short stratigraphic ranges make them essential tools for correlating rock layers across different regions, particularly in Russia and other parts of Europe.

Collector’s Value and Rarity

This rare Lunuloceras lunula ammonite fossil is a superb example from the Callovian of Russia. Fossils from this genus are not commonly available on the market, and high-quality specimens with strong ribbing and well-defined morphology are even more sought after. Its rarity, combined with its striking appearance, makes it an excellent choice for both seasoned fossil collectors and those beginning their collection of Jurassic cephalopods.

The specimen serves not only as a piece of natural history but also as a scientifically significant fossil, bridging the gap between aesthetic appreciation and academic interest.

Key Details

• Species: Lunuloceras lunula
• Age: Lower Callovian, Middle Jurassic (c. 166 – 163 million years old)
• Origin: Russia
• Family: Oppeliidae
• Distinctive ribbing and evolute coiling preserved
• Exact specimen shown in photographs with 1 cm scale cube
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity

This rare Lunuloceras lunula ammonite fossil from Russia is a highly collectible and scientifically valuable specimen, offering a tangible connection to the marine ecosystems of the Jurassic seas over 160 million years ago.