Description
Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil
This listing features a genuine Vermisphinctes Ammonite Fossil from the Upper Bajocian Stage of the Middle Jurassic, collected near Caen, France. Ammonites were extinct marine molluscs belonging to the subclass Ammonoidea, closely related to squid and cuttlefish. Their coiled shells, divided into chambers, provided buoyancy and mobility, making them one of the most successful marine predators of their time. This specimen has been carefully selected and is shown exactly as you will receive it, with a 1 cm scale cube included in the photographs for accurate size reference.
Geological Context – Upper Bajocian, Jurassic
The Bajocian Stage (about 170–168 million years ago) forms part of the Middle Jurassic. The Upper Bajocian is particularly significant because it preserves an abundance of ammonite fossils that serve as vital markers for biostratigraphy.
The region of Caen in Normandy is well known for its fossil-bearing Jurassic deposits. During the Bajocian, this area was covered by shallow seas connected to the Tethys Ocean. Fine sedimentation in these warm, epicontinental seas allowed for excellent preservation of ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, and other marine organisms. Fossils from Caen are highly sought after for their provenance, preservation quality, and importance in refining the Jurassic timescale.
Species Profile – Vermisphinctes
The genus Vermisphinctes belongs to the family Perisphinctidae, within the superfamily Perisphinctoidea and the order Ammonitida. These ammonites are especially valued for their distinctive ribbing and elegant shell form, which make them both scientifically important and aesthetically striking.
Key features of Vermisphinctes ammonites include:
- Strongly evolute shells, with earlier whorls visible within a wide umbilicus.
- Prominent ribs, often bifurcating or trifurcating, extending continuously across the flanks and venter.
- A rounded to slightly angular venter, typically free from keels.
- Complex suture patterns reflecting the intricate internal chamber structure.
- Medium to large shell size, with striking symmetry and proportion.
These traits allow paleontologists to identify Vermisphinctes readily and use them as reliable indicators of Upper Bajocian biozones.
Paleoenvironment and Scientific Importance
During the Upper Bajocian, ammonites like Vermisphinctes lived as nektonic predators, actively swimming and hunting for small crustaceans and other prey in the warm seas of Jurassic France. Their shells, once abandoned, settled into seabed sediments where mineralisation preserved them for millions of years.
From a scientific perspective, Vermisphinctes is highly significant as an index fossil. Its restricted stratigraphic range and widespread distribution across Europe make it invaluable for dating and correlating rock formations. Specimens from Caen contribute to understanding ammonite diversity, evolutionary pathways, and paleoenvironments of the Middle Jurassic.
100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity
All our specimens are guaranteed 100% genuine fossils and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. This assures collectors and enthusiasts that the piece is an authentic relic of Jurassic seas and not a reproduction or cast.
A Collector’s and Display Fossil
This Vermisphinctes ammonite fossil from the Upper Bajocian of Caen, France is both scientifically important and visually appealing. With its bold ribbing, distinctive shell structure, and provenance from a renowned fossil region, it makes an ideal addition to any fossil collection, natural history display, or educational resource.
Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1 cm. Please see listing photos for the full sizing of this exact specimen.
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