Rare Lytoceras jurensis Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Pliensbachian Schlierbach Germany

Description

Rare Lytoceras jurensis Fossil Ammonite from Schlierbach, Germany

This listing offers a rare Lytoceras jurensis fossil ammonite, an elegant and scientifically significant specimen from the Pliensbachian stage of the Jurassic period. Collected in Schlierbach, Germany, this ammonite is a fine example of the smooth-shelled, intricately sutured Lytoceratidae. The fossil in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, shown with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing. All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and include a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Setting – Pliensbachian, Jurassic

This specimen originates from the Pliensbachian stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 190–183 million years ago. During this period, much of central Europe, including modern-day Germany, was submerged beneath shallow marine environments connected to the vast Tethys Ocean. These warm seas supported an abundance of ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles, and the fine-grained sediments deposited during this time provided excellent conditions for fossil preservation.

The Pliensbachian is an important stage for biostratigraphy, with ammonites serving as crucial index fossils. Lytoceras, while less common than heavily ribbed ammonites like Dactylioceras or Arietites, provides significant insight into ammonite diversity and evolutionary development during this interval.

Species and Classification

• Genus: Lytoceras
• Species: jurensis
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Lytoceratoidea
• Family: Lytoceratidae

Lytoceras jurensis belongs to the Lytoceratidae, a family of ammonites that is distinguished by smooth shells and highly complex suture lines. These ammonites are notable for their evolutionary lineage, being closely related to later Mesozoic ammonite groups, and represent a more specialized adaptation compared with the more common ribbed Jurassic ammonites.

Morphological Features

The Lytoceras jurensis ammonite is distinctive in appearance and easily recognisable:

• Shell form: Involute coiling, with the inner whorls mostly concealed.
• Surface: Generally smooth or weakly ornamented, setting it apart from strongly ribbed ammonites.
• Whorl profile: Rounded and regular, giving the fossil an elegant, flowing symmetry.
• Sutures: Highly intricate and complex suture patterns, typical of Lytoceratidae, producing an ornate appearance when well preserved.

This combination of smooth whorls and elaborate suture lines makes Lytoceras jurensis particularly appealing both for display and for scientific interest.

Stratigraphy and Scientific Importance

Lytoceras jurensis is an important ammonite for Pliensbachian stratigraphy, contributing to the refinement of ammonite biozones in Early Jurassic deposits. Its presence in Schlierbach adds to the rich palaeontological record of Germany, where Jurassic sediments have long been studied for their fossil content.

Collector and Display Value

• Collectors will value this specimen for its rarity, provenance, and distinctive smooth shell morphology.
• Researchers and educators prize it as an example of Lytoceratidae diversity, highlighting evolutionary traits in ammonites.
• For display purposes, its graceful form and complex suture patterns make it a stunning natural history specimen, ideal as a centrepiece fossil.

Authenticity and Guarantee

All of our fossils are 100% genuine and responsibly sourced. This Lytoceras jurensis ammonite has been carefully selected for its quality, rarity, and preservation. Every purchase is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring full confidence in its geological provenance.

Key Information at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Lytoceras jurensis
• Geological Age: Pliensbachian, Jurassic (~190–183 million years old)
• Locality: Schlierbach, Germany
• Family: Lytoceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Condition: Natural fossil with smooth shell and intricate sutures
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This rare Lytoceras jurensis ammonite fossil from Schlierbach, Germany is both scientifically important and visually captivating, making it a highly desirable specimen for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of Jurassic palaeontology.