Fossil Origins

Nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, the Sengenthal Quarry is a scientifically significant site renowned for its beautifully preserved fossils from the Jurassic Period. The quarry exposes both the White and Brown Jura layers, offering a rich glimpse into marine life from approximately 168 million years ago, during the Bajocian stage of the Middle Jurassic.

The quarry is best known for its abundance of Parkinsonia parkinsoni ammonites, often found in oolitic sediments. These fossils, along with species like Garantiana suevica, Oecotraustes westermanni, and Oxycerites limosus, can display exceptional preservation and striking mineralization. Some ammonite chambers are encrusted with shimmering calcite crystals, a testament to the unique conditions of fossilization in this region.

With at least eight distinct fossil-bearing layers, each showcasing different preservation styles, the Sengenthal Quarry offers a diverse and fascinating fossil record. Large specimens over 20 cm are especially rare and highly valued among collectors and researchers alike.

This site highlights many of the remarkable species found throughout the quarry, with a focus on:

• Ammonites

• Belemnites

• Bivalves

• Gastropods

• Corals

• Sea urchins

• Nautiloids

• Shark teeth

• And other intriguing marine organisms of the Jurassic seas

Explore the ancient world through these extraordinary fossils and discover the prehistoric life that once thrived in Bavaria’s Jurassic oceans.