RARE: Paraceratites brembanus Multi-Ammonite Fossil Block – Triassic Heteromorph Ammonites – Lemma Italy – Certified Authentic Specimen

Description

EXCEPTIONAL MULTI-BLOCK FOSSIL OF PARACERATITES BREMBANUS – TRIASSIC HETEROMORPH AMMONITES

This stunning and rare specimen is a multi-block fossil containing several individuals of Paraceratites brembanus, a heteromorph ammonite from the Triassic Period, collected from Lemma, northern Italy. Carefully selected from the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection, the exact specimen shown in the photographs is the one you will receive. A 1cm scale cube is included for reference – full sizing can be seen in the images.

As with all our specimens, this fossil is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for your peace of mind.

Fossil Identification:

• Species: Paraceratites brembanus
• Genus: Paraceratites
• Family: Ceratitidae
• Superfamily: Ceratitaceae
• Order: Ceratitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Common Name: Heteromorph Ammonite

Geological and Stratigraphic Context:

• Geological Period: Triassic
• Stage: Likely Ladinian (Middle Triassic)
• Locality: Lemma, Bergamo Province, Lombardy, Northern Italy
• Formation: San Giovanni Bianco or equivalent Triassic marine limestones
• Depositional Environment: Warm, shallow carbonate platform sea typical of the western Tethys margin during the Triassic; fossil preservation often occurs in nodular or bedded micrites

Morphological Features:

Paraceratites brembanus is notable for its semi-involute, compressed shell with finely ribbed whorls and a slight keel or ventral furrow. The suture pattern is ceratitic—characterised by lobes with serrated margins and smooth saddles—a hallmark of the Ceratitida order. This genus shows adaptations to a nektonic (active swimming) marine life in relatively warm, shallow seas.

This specific specimen displays multiple individuals on a single matrix, each well-preserved and exposed, highlighting both juvenile and mature growth stages. Such multi-fossil blocks are both rare and scientifically valuable, offering insights into population structure and paleoecology.

Scientific Importance & Notability:

Paraceratites species, including brembanus, are key biostratigraphic indicators for the Middle Triassic and are used to correlate marine strata across southern Europe and parts of Asia. Their presence reflects the biodiversity resurgence after the Permian-Triassic extinction event. The Lombardy region is especially renowned for its Triassic fossil richness and historical paleontological work.

Provenance:

This exceptional specimen comes from the Alice Purnell Collection, a well-regarded private British collection known for high-quality, ethically sourced fossils from important stratigraphic localities. Each fossil is carefully selected and conserved, ideal for both educational display and serious collectors.

Condition and Details:

• Multi-fossil block featuring several ammonite specimens
• Original Triassic matrix with well-exposed shells
• Prepared for optimal display
• Comes with Certificate of Authenticity
• Actual specimen photographed
• 1cm scale cube for reference

This Paraceratites brembanus multi-fossil block is a rare, museum-grade example of Triassic ammonite preservation from Italy. A prized item for collectors, educators, and paleontology enthusiasts alike.