RARE: Fossil Heteromorph Ammonite CERATITES NODOSUS – Middle Triassic – Hellerburg, Germany – Alice Purnell Collection

Description RARE HETEROMORPH AMMONITE FOSSIL – CERATITES NODOSUS – MIDDLE TRIASSIC – HELLERBURG, GERMANY This is an authentic and well-preserved fossil specimen of the classic ceratitid ammonite species Ceratites nodosus, originating from Hellerburg, Germany, and dating back to the Middle Triassic period, approximately 240 million years ago. It is part of the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection and has been carefully selected for its quality and scientific value. You will receive the exact specimen pictured, with a 1 cm scale cube shown for accurate sizing. For full measurements, please refer to the provided photo. All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. FOSSIL IDENTIFICATION Species: Ceratites nodosus Type: Heteromorph ammonite (though often referred to as “ceratites” to distinguish from later ammonoids) Family: Ceratitidae Superfamily: Ceratitoidea Order: Ceratitida Class: Cephalopoda Phylum: Mollusca Age: Middle Triassic (~240 Ma) Stratigraphy: Likely from the Muschelkalk Formation, part of the Germanic Triassic Supergroup Locality: Hellerburg, Germany GEOLOGICAL & PALEOECOLOGICAL CONTEXT Ceratites nodosus lived during the Middle Triassic, in the aftermath of the Permian-Triassic extinction—Earth’s most severe mass extinction event. Its fossil remains are commonly found in the Muschelkalk, a widespread marine limestone unit deposited in a shallow inland sea that once covered large parts of Central Europe. Geological Stage: Anisian to Ladinian (Middle Triassic) Depositional Environment: Shallow marine carbonate platform – a warm, tropical epicontinental sea environment ideal for ammonoid diversity Biozone Association: Often found in association with other ceratitid fauna, such as Ceratites compressus and Ceratites semipartitus MORPHOLOGY & FEATURES Ceratites nodosus is easily recognised by its broad, involute shell and the presence of strong nodose ornamentation (rounded tubercles or “nodes”) along the flanks. It has partially frilled ceratitic sutures—a distinctive trait of the Ceratitida order—where lobes are frilled but saddles remain smooth. This species provides key insight into the early re-diversification of ammonoids after the end-Permian extinction and represents an important evolutionary step in cephalopod history. NOTES & SIGNIFICANCE Ceratites nodosus is an index fossil for the Middle Triassic in Central Europe, making it valuable for stratigraphic correlation. This species has been formally described and extensively studied since the 19th century, especially within German palaeontology. Hellerburg is a classic fossil site and has yielded exceptional specimens over the years. ITEM SUMMARY: Rare Ceratites nodosus ammonite fossil Middle Triassic (~240 million years old) From Hellerburg, Germany Member of the renowned Alice Purnell Collection Supplied with Certificate of Authenticity Exact fossil shown in listing photographs 1 cm cube in image for scale reference A beautifully preserved example of a historically significant Triassic ammonite. Ideal for collectors, educators, and palaeontology enthusiasts seeking a genuine piece from one of the most crucial periods in evolutionary history.