Asteroceras Calcite Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Coast Dorset UK Display Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Genuine Asteroceras Calcite Ammonite Fossil from the Jurassic Coast

This listing is for a genuine Asteroceras fossil calcite ammonite with cut base, collected from the famous Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias at Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. This is an authentic Jurassic Coast fossil specimen and the photograph shows the actual fossil you will receive. Full sizing details can be seen in the photo

Asteroceras ammonites are highly collectable Lower Jurassic fossils, known for their bold ribbing, strong whorl shape, and attractive natural preservation. This example has been carefully chosen for its visual appeal, geological interest, and display potential. The cut base allows the fossil to stand or sit neatly for presentation, making it ideal for a fossil collection, educational display, cabinet specimen, desk piece, or natural history gift.

Fossil Type, Species and Morphology

Asteroceras is a classic Jurassic ammonite genus belonging to the wider group of extinct marine cephalopods. Ammonites were related to modern squid, cuttlefish, and nautilus, living in ancient seas and using their coiled shells for buoyancy and protection. Their chambered shells make them one of the most recognisable and scientifically important fossil groups.

Asteroceras ammonites are particularly admired for their robust, evolute shell form, where the outer whorls leave much of the earlier whorls visible. The shell commonly displays strong, radiating ribs and a rounded to slightly compressed whorl section. These ribs would have strengthened the shell and also give the fossil its distinctive sculptural appearance. In many examples from the Lyme Regis and Charmouth area, the shell may be partly or fully preserved in calcite, giving a pleasing natural mineral finish.

This fossil is a calcite ammonite, meaning the original shell material and internal spaces have been replaced or infilled by calcite during fossilisation. This mineralisation can produce attractive cream, honey, grey, or pale crystalline tones, often contrasting beautifully with the darker surrounding Jurassic matrix.

Geological Age and Formation

This specimen comes from the Black Ven Marls, part of the Lower Lias sequence exposed along the world-famous Jurassic Coast of Dorset. These deposits date to the Lower Jurassic Period, approximately 199 to 190 million years ago. The Lower Lias rocks around Lyme Regis and Charmouth are internationally known for producing superb ammonites, marine reptile remains, belemnites, bivalves, crinoids, and other ancient sea-life.

The Black Ven Marls were laid down in a shallow marine environment when the area that is now Dorset was covered by warm Jurassic seas. Fine muds, silts, and calcareous sediments accumulated on the sea floor, burying shells and organic remains. Over millions of years, these sediments compacted into the dark marls and limestones that now erode from the cliffs.

Location: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset

Stonebarrow Cliff and the surrounding Charmouth and Lyme Regis coastline are among the most famous fossil locations in Britain. The cliffs form part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site, an area celebrated for its exceptional record of Earth history. Coastal erosion continually reveals new fossils from the Lower Jurassic rocks, making this region one of the classic collecting areas for ammonites.

Fossils from this locality are especially sought after because they come from historically important strata that have been studied by collectors, geologists, and palaeontologists for generations. The Lyme Regis and Charmouth area is closely associated with early fossil discoveries and the development of palaeontology as a science.

Display Quality and Authenticity

This Asteroceras fossil has a cut base, making it well suited for display. The shaped base gives the specimen a practical, attractive presentation style while keeping the natural fossil as the focus. It is a carefully selected piece, chosen for its genuine fossil character and decorative appeal.

The fossil shown in the photograph is the actual specimen supplied, so you can buy with confidence knowing exactly what you will receive. Natural fossils may show signs of age, weathering, mineral veining, repaired areas, matrix, or small imperfections, all of which are part of their authentic geological history.

Certificate of Authenticity Included

This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. This provides reassurance that the fossil is an authentic natural specimen, not a modern replica. It is suitable for collectors, fossil enthusiasts, geology students, teachers, natural history displays, and anyone looking for a genuine piece of Jurassic Coast history.