RARE Scarburgiceras scarburgense iridescent Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Oxfordian Russia

Description

Rare Scarburgiceras scarburgense Iridescent Fossil Ammonite from Russia

This listing offers a rare and genuine Scarburgiceras scarburgense Fossil Ammonite, originating from the Lower Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period and discovered in Russia. This specimen stands out due to its preserved nacreous iridescence, displaying beautiful natural rainbow colours that shimmer in light. Iridescent ammonites are highly sought-after by collectors for both their geological significance and aesthetic beauty.

The fossil photographed is the exact specimen you will receive, shown with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing. As with all of our pieces, this fossil is a 100% genuine specimen, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its origin and authenticity.

Geological Setting and Age

The Lower Oxfordian stage of the Late Jurassic, dating to approximately 163 – 160 million years ago, is well known for its rich ammonite faunas. Fossils from this period play a crucial role in refining stratigraphic frameworks across Europe and Russia. The Oxfordian is particularly important in ammonite biostratigraphy, as different ammonite lineages can be traced in detail through its deposits.

This specimen was recovered from Russian deposits known for their excellent preservation, where specific conditions allowed shells to retain their nacreous layers. The geological environment at the time consisted of shallow epicontinental seas, providing an ideal habitat for ammonites such as Scarburgiceras. Rapid burial in fine sediments enabled exceptional fossilisation, including the preservation of iridescence.

Scientific Classification and Significance

This fossil is identified as Scarburgiceras scarburgense, belonging to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Perisphinctoidea, and family Cardioceratidae. Ammonites of this group are known for their distinctively ribbed and evolute shells, which make them highly recognisable and useful in biostratigraphic studies.

Scarburgiceras scarburgense is regarded as a key index fossil for the Lower Oxfordian. Its restricted stratigraphic distribution provides precise dating for the rocks in which it is found. This scientific importance makes it not only a collectible fossil but also a valuable specimen in the study of Jurassic ammonite faunas and the correlation of stratigraphic horizons.

Morphological Features

The morphology of Scarburgiceras scarburgense is characterised by:

• Evolute shell structure, with visible earlier whorls.
• Strong ribbing across the whorls, creating a distinctive and textured surface.
• Compressed whorl section, typical of many Oxfordian ammonites.
• Iridescent nacre preservation, producing vivid flashes of colour under light.

The combination of strong ribbing and iridescent shell preservation makes this specimen a particularly attractive and scientifically significant example of its species.

Depositional Environment

During the Lower Oxfordian, the seas that covered much of what is now Russia were relatively shallow marine basins. These environments supported a diverse ecosystem of marine reptiles, invertebrates, and ammonites. Sediments of fine clay and silt played a key role in fossil preservation, creating oxygen-restricted conditions that limited decay and allowed delicate shell features, including nacre, to survive fossilisation.

These conditions are rare, which is why iridescent ammonites are much less common than their non-iridescent counterparts. Their preservation provides insight into the geochemistry of Jurassic seas and highlights the exceptional conditions under which fossils of this quality formed.

Collector and Display Value

Owning a Scarburgiceras scarburgense iridescent ammonite is not just about acquiring a fossil; it is about possessing a natural piece of geological history with both scientific and aesthetic importance. The iridescence gives this specimen an almost jewel-like quality, making it suitable for display in collections, museums, or as a standout centrepiece in any fossil showcase.

This specimen combines:

• Scientific significance as an index fossil of the Lower Oxfordian.
• Natural artistry through its brilliant iridescent nacre.
• A direct connection to the Jurassic seas of Russia.

Key Features

• Species: Scarburgiceras scarburgense
• Geological Age: Lower Oxfordian, Late Jurassic (163 – 160 million years old)
• Provenance: Russia
• Distinctive ribbed, evolute shell morphology
• Rare nacreous iridescence, producing rainbow-like colours
• Member of the Cardioceratidae family, order Ammonitida
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen pictured is the one you will receive

This Scarburgiceras scarburgense iridescent Fossil Ammonite is a rare opportunity to own a scientifically important and visually striking specimen, representing both natural beauty and deep geological time.