Rare Mercaticeras mercati Ammonite Fossil, Lower Toarcian Stage Jurassic, Authentic Italian Collectors Piece with COA

Description

Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing offers a genuine Mercaticeras mercati Ammonite Fossil from the Lower Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic period, discovered in Italy. Ammonites are extinct marine cephalopods within the subclass Ammonoidea and the order Ammonitida. Their beautifully coiled, chambered shells are among the most recognisable fossils, treasured for their aesthetic appeal and scientific importance. This carefully chosen specimen highlights the characteristic morphology of Mercaticeras mercati. The photographs provided show the actual fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing.

Geological Context – Lower Toarcian, Jurassic

The fossil originates from the Lower Toarcian, approximately 182 million years ago, during a period of significant evolutionary and environmental change. The Toarcian seas of Italy were shallow marine environments where sedimentation in fine-grained deposits provided ideal conditions for the preservation of ammonites. This interval is globally significant as it coincides with the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, a time when large parts of the oceans experienced low oxygen levels, influencing both marine life and preservation quality.

The Lower Toarcian is also crucial in geology because ammonites from this stage are used as index fossils. Their rapid evolutionary changes and wide geographic distribution allow geologists to subdivide rocks into precise biozones, enabling detailed stratigraphic correlation across Europe and beyond.

Species Profile – Mercaticeras mercati

The ammonite Mercaticeras mercati belongs to the family Hildoceratidae within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea. This family is known for its compressed shells and well-defined ribbing, features that are particularly evident in Mercaticeras.

Key traits of Mercaticeras mercati include:

• A moderately evolute, planispiral shell with a relatively open umbilicus.
• Strong, regular ribbing radiating across the whorls, often strengthening at the venter.
• A compressed whorl profile, typical of the family Hildoceratidae.
• Complex suture lines marking the junctions of internal septa, visible in well-preserved specimens.

These defining features make Mercaticeras mercati not only a striking fossil for display but also an important species in Toarcian stratigraphy.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Importance

During the Early Jurassic, Italy’s shallow seas provided a thriving habitat for ammonites such as Mercaticeras mercati. As nektonic predators, they swam actively through the water column, using jet propulsion to pursue smaller prey. After death, their shells settled onto the seabed, where they were rapidly buried by fine marine sediments, leading to their preservation over millions of years.

Ammonites such as Mercaticeras mercati are key to understanding evolutionary and ecological patterns of the Jurassic seas. Their restricted stratigraphic ranges allow paleontologists to identify and define Lower Toarcian ammonite biozones, making them scientifically valuable as well as visually appealing fossils.

100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ammonite is an authentic relic of Earth’s history, not a cast or reproduction. It has been preserved for nearly 182 million years, offering both collectors and enthusiasts a true connection to the Jurassic seas of Italy.

Perfect for Collectors and Enthusiasts

This Mercaticeras mercati ammonite fossil from Italy is ideal for fossil collectors, paleontology enthusiasts, students of geology, or anyone interested in natural history. Its combination of scientific significance, geological importance, and aesthetic character makes it a valuable specimen for any collection or educational display.

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