Very Rare Telodactylites achermanni Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Toarcian Italy

Description

Very Rare Telodactylites achermanni Fossil Ammonite from Italy

This listing features a very rare Telodactylites achermanni fossil ammonite, dating to the Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period. Discovered in Italy, this ammonite is an uncommon and scientifically valuable specimen that represents one of the distinctive ammonite faunas of the Early Jurassic seas of southern Europe. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate size reference. Every specimen we sell is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Setting – Toarcian, Jurassic

This specimen dates to the Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 182–174 million years ago. At this time, much of what is now Italy lay beneath warm shallow seas, forming part of the extensive Tethys Ocean that covered large portions of southern Europe and North Africa. The fine-grained limestones and shales deposited during this period created excellent conditions for the preservation of ammonites, belemnites, and other marine organisms.

The Toarcian is a critical interval in Earth’s history, marked by the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE), a time of widespread environmental change and organic-rich sediment deposition. Ammonites such as Telodactylites achermanni are particularly valuable for understanding both evolutionary diversification and the stratigraphic framework of this period.

Species and Taxonomy

• Genus: Telodactylites
• Species: achermanni
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Family: Dactylioceratidae

Telodactylites achermanni is a rare species within the Dactylioceratidae, a family of ammonites characterised by strongly ribbed shells and distinctive evolutionary traits during the Early Jurassic. Specimens of this genus are highly prized due to their rarity and importance in refining ammonite zonation schemes within the Toarcian stage.

Morphological Features

The Telodactylites achermanni ammonite exhibits several distinctive features:

• Shell form: Evolute, with earlier whorls visible and contributing to its striking profile.
• Ribbing: Prominent ribs extend across the shell, often bifurcating towards the outer whorl.
• Whorl profile: Rounded to slightly compressed, with bold ornamentation.
• Ornamentation: Strong ribbing and detailed sutures give the ammonite a robust yet intricate appearance, making it attractive both scientifically and aesthetically.

These morphological features are not only useful for identification but also highlight the ammonite’s adaptation to its Early Jurassic marine environment.

Stratigraphy and Biozone Importance

Telodactylites achermanni is associated with specific Toarcian biozones and plays a role as a regional stratigraphic marker. Its distribution in Italian Jurassic successions is valuable for correlating marine deposits across Europe, particularly in the Tethyan realm. Fossils of this species provide important information for refining the dating of Toarcian strata, making them both rare and scientifically significant.

Collector and Scientific Value

• Collectors will value this ammonite for its rarity, striking ribbing, and provenance from Italy, a less common source compared to classic British localities.
• Scientists and educators prize it as a stratigraphic marker and an important example of Jurassic ammonite evolution in the Tethys Ocean.
• For display purposes, its bold ribbing and aesthetic form make it an eye-catching addition to any fossil collection.

Authenticity and Guarantee

All of our fossils are responsibly sourced and are 100% genuine specimens. This Telodactylites achermanni has been carefully chosen for its rarity and preservation quality. Every purchase comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring complete confidence in its provenance.

Key Information at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Telodactylites achermanni
• Geological Age: Toarcian, Jurassic (~182–174 million years old)
• Locality: Italy
• Family: Dactylioceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Condition: Natural fossil with strong ribbing and excellent preservation
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This very rare Telodactylites achermanni ammonite from Italy is an outstanding specimen, combining rarity, scientific value, and natural beauty. It is ideal for serious fossil collectors, palaeontology enthusiasts, and anyone wishing to own a unique piece of Jurassic history.