Rare Peltoceras Ammonite Fossil Callovian Jurassic Russia Genuine Specimen Collectible

Description

Rare Peltoceras Ammonite Fossil from Russia

This listing presents a rare Peltoceras ammonite fossil from the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic, discovered in the well-known fossil-rich deposits of Ryazan, Russia. Dating back around 166 – 163 million years, this specimen represents one of the iconic ammonite genera of the Jurassic seas. It combines remarkable scientific importance with aesthetic appeal, making it highly sought after by fossil enthusiasts, collectors, and museums.

The fossil shown in the images is the exact specimen you will receive, and a 1 cm scale cube is included in the photographs to provide precise sizing. Each specimen is carefully chosen for its preservation and quality. As with all of our items, this ammonite comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its genuine origin and ensuring complete confidence in your purchase.

Geological Setting – Callovian, Middle Jurassic

The Callovian stage is part of the Middle Jurassic, a time when shallow epicontinental seas covered large parts of what is now Europe and Russia. These seas teemed with ammonites, belemnites, marine reptiles, and other marine organisms, all of which played key roles in the food web. Ammonites such as Peltoceras thrived in these ecosystems and, after death, their shells were buried in fine marine sediments that eventually fossilised into limestone and clay deposits.

The Ryazan region of Russia is globally recognised for yielding beautifully preserved ammonites of the Callovian stage. Fossils from this area often display exquisite shell detail, allowing paleontologists and collectors alike to study their form, structure, and ornamentation.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Peltoceras
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Family: Aspidoceratidae
• Geological Stage: Callovian, Middle Jurassic (c. 166 – 163 million years ago)
• Locality: Ryazan, Russia

Distinctive Morphology and Features

Ammonites of the genus Peltoceras are known for their striking shell ornamentation, which sets them apart from many other Jurassic ammonites. This specimen displays:

• Robust, evolute coiling where the earlier whorls remain visible.
• Thick, prominent ribbing running across the shell’s surface, accentuating its spiral form.
• Strong tubercles or nodes along the ribs, a defensive and structural feature often associated with members of the family Aspidoceratidae.
• A shell structure that demonstrates both strength and aesthetic balance, making Peltoceras one of the more visually impressive ammonites.

These morphological traits make Peltoceras instantly recognisable and highly collectible, offering both scientific significance and natural beauty.

Paleoecological Importance

Like other ammonites, Peltoceras was a free-swimming cephalopod, related to modern squid and cuttlefish. Its chambered shell provided buoyancy control, allowing it to move through Jurassic seas with agility. Ammonites were carnivorous, preying on smaller marine organisms such as plankton, molluscs, and crustaceans.

From a scientific perspective, ammonites such as Peltoceras are considered excellent index fossils, meaning they are used by geologists to help date and correlate rock layers across vast regions. The presence of Peltoceras in the fossil record is a reliable indicator of the Callovian stage of the Middle Jurassic, making it invaluable for biostratigraphy.

Collector’s Value and Rarity

This rare Peltoceras ammonite fossil from Ryazan is not only a unique geological treasure but also a specimen of immense collector’s value. Fossils of this genus are sought after due to their distinct features, robust ornamentation, and scientific significance. Ammonites from the Callovian deposits of Russia are becoming harder to acquire, and well-preserved examples like this are increasingly rare.

Owning a genuine Peltoceras ammonite offers a chance to hold a tangible piece of Earth’s deep history – a fossil formed more than 160 million years ago, during the height of the Jurassic seas. Whether added to a private collection, displayed in an educational setting, or gifted to an enthusiast of natural history, it is a specimen of exceptional importance.

Key Details

• Species: Peltoceras
• Age: Callovian, Middle Jurassic (c. 166 – 163 million years old)
• Location: Ryazan, Russia
• Features: Prominent ribbing, tubercles, robust shell form, evolute coiling
• Family: Aspidoceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Exact specimen shown in photos with 1 cm scale cube
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Peltoceras ammonite fossil from Russia, a striking and scientifically important relic of the Jurassic world.