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RARE Pteraptychus Aptychus Fossil (Ammonite Lower Jaw) | Jurassic Solnhofen Limestone | Bavaria Germany | Certified Genuine Specimen
RARE Pteraptychus Aptychus Fossil (Ammonite Lower Jaw) | Jurassic Solnhofen Limestone | Bavaria Germany | Certified Genuine Specimen - Image 2

RARE Pteraptychus Aptychus Fossil (Ammonite Lower Jaw) | Jurassic Solnhofen Limestone | Bavaria Germany | Certified Genuine Specimen

£48.00

This listing features a RARE fossil aptychus, identified as Pteraptychus, representing the paired lower jaw (mandible) of an ammonite, collected from the world-famous Solnhofen Limestone of Bavaria, Germany. These jaw structures are composed of calcite and were once part of the feeding apparatus of certain Jurassic ammonites. This remarkable specimen is paired, showing both halves of the jaw, and comes from a classic Jurassic Lagerstätte with exceptional preservation conditions.

Geological Details:

  • Locality: Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany
  • Geological Period: Jurassic
  • Geological Stage: Tithonian (Late Jurassic, ~150 million years ago)
  • Depositional Environment: Shallow lagoonal marine basin with anoxic bottom conditions; ideal for fossil preservation
  • Formation: Solnhofen Limestone (Plattenkalk)

Paleontological Context: Aptychi are calcitic plates often preserved separately from ammonite shells, but they were originally paired jaw structures. Pteraptychus refers to a form of aptychus linked to specific ammonite families. Their presence helps in identifying ammonite feeding mechanisms and contributes to our understanding of ammonite soft-part anatomy.

  • Fossil Type: Aptychus (ammonite lower jaw / paired calcareous plates)
  • Associated With: Likely Desmoceratoidea or Phylloceratina ammonites (based on jaw morphology and sedimentary context)
  • Zone: Upper Tithonian ammonite zones (e.g., Hybonoticeras Zone)
  • Formally Described by: Meyer, 1842 (Pteraptychus genus designation)

Morphological Features:

  • Distinct paired symmetry, indicative of original positioning in the ammonite’s mouth
  • Robust calcareous plates with fine concentric growth lines
  • Slight curvature, typical of jaw elements rather than shell fragments
  • Light beige to pale brown colour, set within classic Solnhofen limestone matrix

Notable Characteristics:

  • Exceptionally rare fossil type — not a shell, but a functional anatomical part of the ammonite
  • From the iconic Solnhofen Formation, also known for Archaeopteryx and other soft-bodied fossils
  • High-quality preservation, ideal for display or scientific reference

Authenticity & Presentation:

  • 100% genuine fossil, not a cast or reproduction
  • Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Photo shows the actual specimen you will receive
  • Scale cube = 1cm for accurate size reference in the image

Additional Notes: Aptychi like this are rarely found in such fine condition, and paired examples are even rarer. This Pteraptychus aptychus fossil is a significant paleontological specimen, revealing intricate details about ammonite biology and Jurassic marine ecosystems. A true collector’s item or museum-grade addition.

 

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: UF3784 Category:

Description

This listing features a RARE fossil aptychus, identified as Pteraptychus, representing the paired lower jaw (mandible) of an ammonite, collected from the world-famous Solnhofen Limestone of Bavaria, Germany. These jaw structures are composed of calcite and were once part of the feeding apparatus of certain Jurassic ammonites. This remarkable specimen is paired, showing both halves of the jaw, and comes from a classic Jurassic Lagerstätte with exceptional preservation conditions.

Geological Details:

  • Locality: Solnhofen, Bavaria, Germany
  • Geological Period: Jurassic
  • Geological Stage: Tithonian (Late Jurassic, ~150 million years ago)
  • Depositional Environment: Shallow lagoonal marine basin with anoxic bottom conditions; ideal for fossil preservation
  • Formation: Solnhofen Limestone (Plattenkalk)

Paleontological Context: Aptychi are calcitic plates often preserved separately from ammonite shells, but they were originally paired jaw structures. Pteraptychus refers to a form of aptychus linked to specific ammonite families. Their presence helps in identifying ammonite feeding mechanisms and contributes to our understanding of ammonite soft-part anatomy.

  • Fossil Type: Aptychus (ammonite lower jaw / paired calcareous plates)
  • Associated With: Likely Desmoceratoidea or Phylloceratina ammonites (based on jaw morphology and sedimentary context)
  • Zone: Upper Tithonian ammonite zones (e.g., Hybonoticeras Zone)
  • Formally Described by: Meyer, 1842 (Pteraptychus genus designation)

Morphological Features:

  • Distinct paired symmetry, indicative of original positioning in the ammonite’s mouth
  • Robust calcareous plates with fine concentric growth lines
  • Slight curvature, typical of jaw elements rather than shell fragments
  • Light beige to pale brown colour, set within classic Solnhofen limestone matrix

Notable Characteristics:

  • Exceptionally rare fossil type — not a shell, but a functional anatomical part of the ammonite
  • From the iconic Solnhofen Formation, also known for Archaeopteryx and other soft-bodied fossils
  • High-quality preservation, ideal for display or scientific reference

Authenticity & Presentation:

  • 100% genuine fossil, not a cast or reproduction
  • Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Photo shows the actual specimen you will receive
  • Scale cube = 1cm for accurate size reference in the image

Additional Notes: Aptychi like this are rarely found in such fine condition, and paired examples are even rarer. This Pteraptychus aptychus fossil is a significant paleontological specimen, revealing intricate details about ammonite biology and Jurassic marine ecosystems. A true collector’s item or museum-grade addition.

 

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Additional information

Era

Jurassic
Origin

Germany

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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