Description
Discover a striking piece of Earth’s ancient history with this genuine large ammonite fossil chunk from the world-renowned Jurassic Coast of Charmouth, Dorset, UK. This hand-selected specimen originates from the Lower Liasgeological formation, part of the Early Jurassic period, approximately 195–200 million years old. Each ammonite fragment is unique and showcases exquisite preservation, with intricate natural details and sedimentary textures frozen in time.
Collected from one of the most scientifically significant fossil-rich sites in Europe, this ammonite fossil is a prized addition for collectors, educational institutions, and geology enthusiasts. The specimen you receive will closely resemble the example pictured, chosen for its aesthetic appeal and scientific integrity.
Geological Context – Lower Lias, Blue Lias Formation
This fossil originates from the Lower Jurassic (Sinemurian stage), within the Blue Lias Formation, a sequence of alternating limestone and shale layers rich in marine fossils. These sediments were deposited in a shallow, oxygen-rich epicontinental sea, offering ideal conditions for preserving marine life. The Charmouth area, part of the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, is globally recognised for its exceptional exposure of Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous strata.
The depositional environment was a low-energy marine basin, where fine-grained sediments allowed exceptional fossil preservation. This specific piece likely comes from the Sinemurian ammonite biozones, such as the Arietites bucklandi or Oxynoticeras oxynotum zones—zones famed for abundant and well-preserved ammonite fauna.
Ammonite Fossil Details – Morphology & Identification
Ammonites were cephalopods, related to modern squids and octopuses, with coiled, chambered shells used for buoyancy control. This specimen displays a partial to semi-complete outer whorl, with visible ribbing, mineralised suture lines, and preserved shell impressions. The fossil is a chunk, meaning it’s a fractured but naturally weathered portion of a larger ammonite, exposing internal structures and natural mineral infills.
The ammonite’s shell shows classic planispiral coiling, with prominent ribbing and curvature that characterise families like Arietitidae or Oxynoticeratidae, common in this zone. These ammonites are diagnostic of the early Jurassic marine ecosystems and are used extensively for biostratigraphy and correlation of Jurassic rock sequences across Europe.
The fossil may exhibit calcite infilling, iron staining, or pyritic highlights, depending on specific preservation. These traits enhance both the aesthetic and scientific value of the piece.
Key Features & Provenance
- Fossil Type: Ammonite (Cephalopoda)
- Geological Formation: Lower Lias, Blue Lias Formation
- Age: Early Jurassic, Sinemurian Stage (~195–200 million years old)
- Locality: Charmouth, Dorset, England – Jurassic Coast (World Heritage Site)
- Size: Please see scale cube in photo (1cm cube) for accurate dimensions
- Specimen: You will receive one similar to the photo; all are hand-picked for quality
100% Genuine with Certificate of Authenticity
All of our fossils are guaranteed to be 100% authentic natural specimens. Each item comes with a professionally produced Certificate of Authenticity, including scientific and geological details of the fossil and its origin. We do not sell replicas or artificially enhanced pieces.
Whether you’re building your personal collection, gifting to a fossil enthusiast, or curating a teaching display, this ammonite fossil represents a timeless treasure from the ancient seas of the Jurassic Coast.v
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.