Zigzagiceras plemum Ammonite Fossil Lower Bathonian Jurassic France

Description

Zigzagiceras plemum Ammonite Fossil from France

Genuine Lower Bathonian Specimen

This carefully chosen Zigzagiceras plemum ammonite is a genuine fossil from Saint-Benin-d’Azy in Nièvre, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, allowing its shell form, matrix, colour and individual preservation to be viewed before purchase. Please refer to the sizing photograph for complete dimensions and proportions.

Lower Bathonian Geological Age

The specimen dates from the Lower Bathonian Stage of the Middle Jurassic, approximately 168 million years ago. During this interval, shallow seas covered extensive areas of western Europe. Warm marine waters supported diverse ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, brachiopods and other organisms. Sediment accumulating on the seabed buried shells and created the conditions required for fossilisation.

The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region contains important Jurassic sedimentary rocks deposited along the margins of the ancient Tethys Ocean. Fossils from a documented locality such as Saint-Benin-d’Azy retain valuable context, connecting an individual ammonite with a specific ancient marine environment.

Species and Morphology

Zigzagiceras plemum belongs to the Ammonoidea, the extinct group of coiled marine cephalopods related to modern squid, cuttlefish, octopus and nautilus. Its shell contained internal chambers separated by septa. The animal lived in the final body chamber, while the remaining chambers and a connecting siphuncle assisted buoyancy control.

Zigzagiceras is generally placed within the family Perisphinctidae or a closely related Bathonian grouping in the order Ammonitida. The genus is recognised for evolute coiling, an open umbilicus and distinctive ribbing. Primary ribs may divide into secondary ribs across the flanks, producing a strong ornamental pattern. Whorl shape, rib division, ventral form and umbilical width are key identification features.

Biostratigraphic Importance

Ammonites evolved rapidly and were widespread in Jurassic seas. Palaeontologists use characteristic species to define biozones and correlate marine sedimentary rocks. Zigzagiceras is especially important in Lower Bathonian stratigraphy, and the Zigzag Zone takes its name from this characteristic ammonite group. A correctly localised specimen therefore has genuine scientific interest as well as visual and collecting appeal.

Fossilisation and Natural Variation

After the animal died, its shell settled to the sea floor and became buried by sediment. Compaction and mineralisation preserved original shell material, replaced it with minerals or created an internal mould. Natural fissures, incomplete edges, matrix attachment, colour variation, mineral staining and surface weathering are expected features of authentic fossils. Each specimen records a unique geological history.

Collecting and Display

This French ammonite is well suited to a Middle Jurassic fossil collection, geological teaching set, natural history display or cabinet of curiosities. Its identified species and locality make it appealing to collectors of European ammonites. It is also an excellent gift for a geology student or enthusiast of prehistoric marine life. The fossil pictured is the actual specimen supplied.

Certificate and Care

This specimen is genuine and includes a generic Certificate of Authenticity card with a lifetime guarantee. Handle it over a soft surface, support both fossil and matrix, and avoid pressure on delicate ribs or edges. Store it in a dry, stable location away from impact, strong chemicals and rapid changes in humidity or temperature. Gentle dry dusting is recommended instead of washing.