Description
Vertebriceras Fossil Ammonite from Normandy, France
This listing offers a fine Vertebriceras fossil ammonite originating from the Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period, approximately 163 to 157 million years ago. Sourced from the fossil-rich deposits of Normandy, France, this specimen represents a classic ammonite genus prized by collectors and researchers alike. The fossil comes from a carefully chosen piece, with photographs showing the exact specimen for sale alongside a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing. Every ammonite we offer is 100% genuine and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Context: The Oxfordian Stage
The Oxfordian marks the beginning of the Late Jurassic epoch, a period characterised by warm shallow seas that spread across much of Europe. In Normandy, these seas deposited layers of marl and limestone that became ideal preservation environments for ammonites. The fossiliferous strata of the region are world-renowned, yielding diverse ammonite faunas that help define important biozones used in global stratigraphic correlation.
Fossils such as Vertebriceras provide valuable evidence for interpreting the marine ecosystems of the Jurassic seas. They highlight the abundance of ammonites during this time and their ecological role as fast-swimming predators and prey within a thriving marine food web.
Species Overview and Classification
- Genus: Vertebriceras
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
- Family: Perisphinctidae
- Age: Oxfordian, Late Jurassic
- Locality: Normandy, France
As a member of the Perisphinctidae family, Vertebriceras shares affinities with other ammonites known for their ribbed shells and stratigraphic importance. Their occurrence in Oxfordian deposits makes them a key group for identifying and dividing stages within the Upper Jurassic.
Morphological Characteristics
The Vertebriceras ammonite displays distinctive features that distinguish it from other genera:
- Strong ribbing, often continuous across the flanks and ventral region.
- Moderately involute coiling, giving the shell a compact but open-whorled appearance.
- Prominent whorl sections, with clear ornamentation that enhances its visual appeal.
- Fine suture lines, typical of perisphinctid ammonites, reflecting complex internal chamber partitions.
These features not only provide visual beauty for collectors but also highlight the evolutionary adaptations of Jurassic ammonites to their marine environments.
Collectible and Scientific Significance
Specimens of Vertebriceras from Normandy are considered desirable due to their aesthetic ribbing and their importance in biostratigraphy. As index fossils, ammonites like Vertebriceras allow geologists to date and correlate sedimentary sequences across Europe and beyond. This gives the fossil both scientific value and collector’s appeal, making it an excellent addition to private or educational collections.
The preservation quality of this fossil makes it especially suitable for display. Its natural details tell a story of marine life during the Jurassic, offering insight into an era when ammonites flourished across the globe’s oceans.
Key Details
- Fossil Type: Ammonite
- Genus: Vertebriceras
- Age: Oxfordian, Jurassic (c. 163–157 million years old)
- Location: Normandy, France
- Family: Perisphinctidae
- Authenticity: Supplied with Certificate of Authenticity
- Display: Photographed with scale for accurate sizing; actual specimen as pictured
Authenticity Guarantee
All our fossils are authentic and responsibly sourced. This Vertebriceras ammonite fossil from Normandy is guaranteed genuine and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity for your peace of mind.
This rare and scientifically significant ammonite is more than just a fossil—it is a window into the Jurassic seas, preserved for millions of years and now available for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts.
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