Very Rare Dactylioceras holandrei Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Middle Toarcian Germany

Description

Very Rare Dactylioceras holandrei Fossil Ammonite from Germany

This listing is for a very rare Dactylioceras holandrei fossil ammonite, dating to the Middle Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period. Discovered in Ellingen, North Weisenberg, Germany, this specimen is an exceptional example of an ammonite from the rich Jurassic deposits of Central Europe. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for full size reference. As with all our items, this specimen is 100% genuine and will be supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Setting – Middle Toarcian, Jurassic

This ammonite originates from the Middle Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 178–174 million years ago. During this period, much of Central Europe lay beneath warm shallow seas that formed part of the Tethys Ocean system. These seas provided ideal conditions for the deposition of fine-grained shales and marls, which preserved ammonites and other marine life in exquisite detail.

The Toarcian is particularly significant in Earth’s history because of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE), a global episode marked by widespread changes in climate and ocean chemistry. Fossils such as Dactylioceras holandrei offer crucial insights into marine biodiversity and ecological shifts during this critical period.

Species and Classification

• Genus: Dactylioceras
• Species: holandrei
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Family: Dactylioceratidae

Dactylioceras is one of the most iconic ammonite genera of the Early Jurassic, but Dactylioceras holandrei is a rare species within this group. Belonging to the Dactylioceratidae, these ammonites are characterised by their ribbed, evolute shells and are widely used in stratigraphic studies.

Morphological Features

The Dactylioceras holandrei ammonite is identifiable by its distinct features:

• Coiling: Evolute, with earlier whorls clearly visible.
• Ribbing: Strong, evenly spaced ribs radiating across the shell, continuing over the venter without interruption.
• Whorl profile: Rounded and relatively compressed, giving a balanced yet robust appearance.
• Ornamentation: Ribbing provides both aesthetic appeal and taxonomic significance.
• Sutures: Intricate and highly detailed, reflecting the evolutionary advancement of Jurassic ammonites.

These features make this species both visually striking and scientifically important, setting it apart from more common Toarcian ammonites.

Stratigraphic and Biozone Importance

Dactylioceras holandrei is tied to specific Middle Toarcian ammonite biozones, making it a key biostratigraphic marker fossil. Its presence allows for the correlation of Toarcian rock layers across Europe, providing a reliable tool for refining the Jurassic timescale. Fossils from the German successions are particularly valuable because they complement the classic British Toarcian faunas, creating a broader understanding of ammonite distribution.

Collector and Scientific Value

• Collectors will appreciate this ammonite for its rarity and provenance from Germany, a locality less frequently represented in collections compared to Whitby and Ilminster.
• Scientists and educators value it as a stratigraphic marker and as an example of rare ammonite diversity in the Toarcian.
• For display, its bold ribbing and excellent preservation make it a centrepiece fossil, ideal for enhancing any natural history collection.

Authenticity and Guarantee

All of our fossils are responsibly sourced and are 100% genuine specimens. This Dactylioceras holandrei ammonite has been carefully selected for its rarity, preservation, and scientific importance. Each purchase is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring complete confidence in its provenance.

Key Information at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Dactylioceras holandrei
• Geological Age: Middle Toarcian, Jurassic (~178–174 million years old)
• Locality: Ellingen, North Weisenberg, Germany
• Family: Dactylioceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Condition: Natural fossil with strong ribbing and clear whorl detail
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This very rare Dactylioceras holandrei ammonite fossil from Ellingen, Germany is both a scientifically significant specimen and a striking display piece, making it ideal for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of Jurassic natural history.