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

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

£12.60

Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing offers a genuine Mercaticeras mercati Ammonite Fossil from the Lower Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic period, found in Italy. Ammonites were extinct marine cephalopods belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea and order Ammonitida, close relatives of squid and cuttlefish. Their spiral, chambered shells make them some of the most recognisable and important fossils, valued for their beauty and their scientific role in understanding Earth’s history. This specimen has been carefully selected for its preservation, with photographs showing the actual fossil you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included for precise sizing.

Geological Context – Lower Toarcian, Jurassic

The Lower Toarcian, dating back around 182 million years, represents one of the most studied intervals of the Early Jurassic. This period is globally significant due to the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, which reshaped marine ecosystems and influenced evolutionary patterns. The fossil-rich marine deposits of Italy provide some of the finest ammonite specimens, preserved in sediments that accumulated in shallow marine basins.

Ammonites from this stage are particularly important because they serve as index fossils, enabling geologists to subdivide the Jurassic into precise ammonite zones. These fossils allow for accurate dating and correlation of rock sequences across Europe and beyond.

Species Profile – Mercaticeras mercati

The species Mercaticeras mercati belongs to the family Hildoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea. Members of this family are characterised by their compressed shells, planispiral coiling, and well-developed ribbing. Mercaticeras species are of special importance in stratigraphy because of their restricted distribution in time, making them excellent markers for the Lower Toarcian.

Key identifying traits of Mercaticeras mercati include:

  • A moderately evolute shell with a relatively open umbilicus, allowing inner whorls to remain visible.
  • Strong, evenly spaced ribbing across the flanks, often accentuated at the venter.
  • A compressed profile with distinct whorl expansion.
  • Complex suture patterns visible in well-preserved specimens, representing the junctions of the internal septa.

These features make M. mercati not only a scientifically valuable specimen but also an aesthetically striking example of Jurassic ammonites.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Importance

During the Early Jurassic, the region that is now Italy was submerged beneath shallow seas. Ammonites such as Mercaticeras mercati thrived as nektonic predators, swimming actively and preying on smaller marine organisms. After death, their shells settled on the seabed, where they were quickly buried in fine sediments, ensuring their preservation for millions of years.

Specimens of Mercaticeras mercati are particularly significant in defining Lower Toarcian ammonite biozones. Their presence allows paleontologists to reconstruct environmental conditions and evolutionary changes in marine ecosystems. Collectors highly prize them for their combination of scientific relevance and natural beauty.

100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ensures that you are purchasing an authentic piece of Earth’s history, preserved for nearly 182 million years. Unlike casts or replicas, this ammonite fossil is a true natural specimen with secure provenance.

A Collector’s and Display Specimen

This Mercaticeras mercati ammonite fossil from Italy is an excellent choice for collectors of fossils, students of geology, and enthusiasts of natural history. Its geological importance, striking preservation, and scientific significance make it a valuable addition to any private collection, study display, or educational resource.

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

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: SF1228 Category:

Description

Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing offers a genuine Mercaticeras mercati Ammonite Fossil from the Lower Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic period, found in Italy. Ammonites were extinct marine cephalopods belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea and order Ammonitida, close relatives of squid and cuttlefish. Their spiral, chambered shells make them some of the most recognisable and important fossils, valued for their beauty and their scientific role in understanding Earth’s history. This specimen has been carefully selected for its preservation, with photographs showing the actual fossil you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included for precise sizing.

Geological Context – Lower Toarcian, Jurassic

The Lower Toarcian, dating back around 182 million years, represents one of the most studied intervals of the Early Jurassic. This period is globally significant due to the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, which reshaped marine ecosystems and influenced evolutionary patterns. The fossil-rich marine deposits of Italy provide some of the finest ammonite specimens, preserved in sediments that accumulated in shallow marine basins.

Ammonites from this stage are particularly important because they serve as index fossils, enabling geologists to subdivide the Jurassic into precise ammonite zones. These fossils allow for accurate dating and correlation of rock sequences across Europe and beyond.

Species Profile – Mercaticeras mercati

The species Mercaticeras mercati belongs to the family Hildoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea. Members of this family are characterised by their compressed shells, planispiral coiling, and well-developed ribbing. Mercaticeras species are of special importance in stratigraphy because of their restricted distribution in time, making them excellent markers for the Lower Toarcian.

Key identifying traits of Mercaticeras mercati include:

  • A moderately evolute shell with a relatively open umbilicus, allowing inner whorls to remain visible.
  • Strong, evenly spaced ribbing across the flanks, often accentuated at the venter.
  • A compressed profile with distinct whorl expansion.
  • Complex suture patterns visible in well-preserved specimens, representing the junctions of the internal septa.

These features make M. mercati not only a scientifically valuable specimen but also an aesthetically striking example of Jurassic ammonites.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Importance

During the Early Jurassic, the region that is now Italy was submerged beneath shallow seas. Ammonites such as Mercaticeras mercati thrived as nektonic predators, swimming actively and preying on smaller marine organisms. After death, their shells settled on the seabed, where they were quickly buried in fine sediments, ensuring their preservation for millions of years.

Specimens of Mercaticeras mercati are particularly significant in defining Lower Toarcian ammonite biozones. Their presence allows paleontologists to reconstruct environmental conditions and evolutionary changes in marine ecosystems. Collectors highly prize them for their combination of scientific relevance and natural beauty.

100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ensures that you are purchasing an authentic piece of Earth’s history, preserved for nearly 182 million years. Unlike casts or replicas, this ammonite fossil is a true natural specimen with secure provenance.

A Collector’s and Display Specimen

This Mercaticeras mercati ammonite fossil from Italy is an excellent choice for collectors of fossils, students of geology, and enthusiasts of natural history. Its geological importance, striking preservation, and scientific significance make it a valuable addition to any private collection, study display, or educational resource.

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

Additional information

Era

Jurassic
Origin

Italy

Jurassic Information

The Jurassic Period (201–145 million years ago) was the golden age of dinosaurs, with iconic species like Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus dominating the land. It was a time of warm, humid climates, with high sea levels that created vast shallow seas, supporting abundant marine reptiles, ammonites, and early coral reefs. The first birds, such as Archaeopteryx, evolved from small theropod dinosaurs, while early mammals remained small and nocturnal. Lush forests of cycads, conifers, and ferns covered the land, providing food for giant herbivores. The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea accelerated, shaping Earth's geography and setting the stage for the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous.

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