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Rare Osperlioceras lapperenti Ammonite Fossil, Upper Toarcian Stage Jurassic, Authentic High Atlas Morocco Collectors Specimen with COA

Rare Osperlioceras lapperenti Ammonite Fossil, Upper Toarcian Stage Jurassic, Authentic High Atlas Morocco Collectors Specimen with COA

£9.00

Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing features a genuine Osperlioceras lapperenti Ammonite Fossil from the Upper Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic period, discovered in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Ammonites are extinct marine molluscs belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea and order Ammonitida. Their coiled, chambered shells are among the most iconic fossils in the world, admired both for their natural beauty and their significance in geology and paleontology. This specimen has been carefully selected for quality and preservation, with photographs showing the actual fossil you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included for accurate measurement.

Geological Context – Upper Toarcian, Jurassic

The Upper Toarcian, dating to approximately 177–174 million years ago, was a period of recovery and diversification following the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. The marine deposits of the High Atlas region provide some of the best-preserved ammonite faunas from this interval. These strata formed in shallow epicontinental seas where fine sediments buried marine organisms rapidly, producing excellent fossilisation conditions.

Ammonites from the Toarcian Stage, particularly the Upper Toarcian, are widely used as index fossils in stratigraphy. Their rapid evolutionary turnover allows scientists to subdivide the Jurassic into precise biozones, making specimens such as Osperlioceras lapperenti essential for global correlation of rock sequences.

Species Profile – Osperlioceras lapperenti

The ammonite Osperlioceras lapperenti is a member of the family Hammatoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea. This group is distinguished by its ornate ribbing, involute shells, and strong ventral keels. Osperlioceras species are considered highly important for Upper Toarcian ammonite zonation, with O. lapperenti frequently cited in stratigraphic studies.

Key identifying features of Osperlioceras lapperenti include:

  • Involute coiling with much of the inner whorls hidden by the outermost whorl.
  • Strong, sharp ribbing extending from the umbilicus to the venter.
  • A pronounced keel running along the shell’s venter, typical of the family.
  • Well-developed suture lines showing the intricate chamber divisions within the shell.

These morphological traits give the ammonite both scientific importance and visual appeal, making it a prized specimen for collectors and researchers alike.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Significance

During the Upper Toarcian, the High Atlas region was part of a shallow marine basin teeming with ammonites, belemnites, marine reptiles, and other invertebrates. Ammonites such as Osperlioceras lapperenti were nektonic predators, swimming actively in the water column, feeding on smaller prey. Their shells, upon death, sank to the seabed where they were rapidly buried, preserving fine details for nearly 175 million years.

This species is especially significant for its role in defining ammonite biozones within the Upper Toarcian, enabling precise geological dating and correlation. Its presence is often used by paleontologists as a marker for specific intervals in the Jurassic record, adding to its value for scientific study.

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 not a cast or replica but an authentic relic of the Jurassic seas of Morocco, preserved in natural stone.

A Collector’s and Display Fossil

This Osperlioceras lapperenti ammonite fossil from the Upper Toarcian of the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco is an exceptional specimen for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history. With its combination of striking morphology, scientific importance, and secure provenance, it represents a unique opportunity to own a true piece of Earth’s ancient marine heritage.

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

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: SF1227 Category:

Description

Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil

This listing features a genuine Osperlioceras lapperenti Ammonite Fossil from the Upper Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic period, discovered in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Ammonites are extinct marine molluscs belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea and order Ammonitida. Their coiled, chambered shells are among the most iconic fossils in the world, admired both for their natural beauty and their significance in geology and paleontology. This specimen has been carefully selected for quality and preservation, with photographs showing the actual fossil you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included for accurate measurement.

Geological Context – Upper Toarcian, Jurassic

The Upper Toarcian, dating to approximately 177–174 million years ago, was a period of recovery and diversification following the Early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event. The marine deposits of the High Atlas region provide some of the best-preserved ammonite faunas from this interval. These strata formed in shallow epicontinental seas where fine sediments buried marine organisms rapidly, producing excellent fossilisation conditions.

Ammonites from the Toarcian Stage, particularly the Upper Toarcian, are widely used as index fossils in stratigraphy. Their rapid evolutionary turnover allows scientists to subdivide the Jurassic into precise biozones, making specimens such as Osperlioceras lapperenti essential for global correlation of rock sequences.

Species Profile – Osperlioceras lapperenti

The ammonite Osperlioceras lapperenti is a member of the family Hammatoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea. This group is distinguished by its ornate ribbing, involute shells, and strong ventral keels. Osperlioceras species are considered highly important for Upper Toarcian ammonite zonation, with O. lapperenti frequently cited in stratigraphic studies.

Key identifying features of Osperlioceras lapperenti include:

  • Involute coiling with much of the inner whorls hidden by the outermost whorl.
  • Strong, sharp ribbing extending from the umbilicus to the venter.
  • A pronounced keel running along the shell’s venter, typical of the family.
  • Well-developed suture lines showing the intricate chamber divisions within the shell.

These morphological traits give the ammonite both scientific importance and visual appeal, making it a prized specimen for collectors and researchers alike.

Paleoenvironment and Scientific Significance

During the Upper Toarcian, the High Atlas region was part of a shallow marine basin teeming with ammonites, belemnites, marine reptiles, and other invertebrates. Ammonites such as Osperlioceras lapperenti were nektonic predators, swimming actively in the water column, feeding on smaller prey. Their shells, upon death, sank to the seabed where they were rapidly buried, preserving fine details for nearly 175 million years.

This species is especially significant for its role in defining ammonite biozones within the Upper Toarcian, enabling precise geological dating and correlation. Its presence is often used by paleontologists as a marker for specific intervals in the Jurassic record, adding to its value for scientific study.

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 not a cast or replica but an authentic relic of the Jurassic seas of Morocco, preserved in natural stone.

A Collector’s and Display Fossil

This Osperlioceras lapperenti ammonite fossil from the Upper Toarcian of the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco is an exceptional specimen for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history. With its combination of striking morphology, scientific importance, and secure provenance, it represents a unique opportunity to own a true piece of Earth’s ancient marine heritage.

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

Additional information

Era

Jurassic
Origin

Morocco

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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