Description
A stunning and rare 9″ Perisphinctes caroli fossil ammonite, collected from the Bathonian Stage of the Middle Jurassic, found near Malmesbury, Wiltshire, United Kingdom. This exceptionally preserved specimen represents a classic ammonite genus from one of the UK’s renowned fossil-bearing regions.
Taxonomic Classification:
- Genus: Perisphinctes
- Species: caroli
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
- Family: Perisphinctidae
- Originally described by d’Orbigny (1846), the genus is a major ammonite group found globally in Middle to Upper Jurassic rocks.
Geological Context:
- Stage: Bathonian (Middle Jurassic)
- Age: Approximately 168 to 166 million years old
- Formation: Forest Marble or surrounding Bathonian limestones and marls
- Location: Malmesbury, Wiltshire, UK
- Depositional Environment: Warm, shallow marine shelf dominated by calcareous sediments and oolitic facies. The Bathonian seas supported a rich diversity of ammonites, bivalves, and marine reptiles.
- Biozone: Often associated with the Procerites and Perisphinctes zones in Bathonian ammonite stratigraphy
Morphological Features:
- Strongly ribbed, evolute shell with all whorls visible
- Ribs are typically bifurcating or trifurcating, sweeping from the umbilicus across the flanks
- Broad, rounded venter and moderately inflated whorls
- May show growth lines and intricate suture patterns in well-preserved specimens
Scientific Significance:
- Perisphinctes caroli is a valuable index fossil for dating Bathonian strata
- Its distinct morphology helps in regional correlation across Europe’s Jurassic formations
- The species contributes to understanding ammonite evolution during the Middle Jurassic, especially within the Perisphinctid lineage
This fossil is shown with a 1cm scale rule cube, and the actual specimen pictured is the one you will receive. It was carefully selected for its completeness and visual appeal.
Authenticity Guaranteed: This is a 100% genuine fossil ammonite, provided with a Certificate of Authenticity. Ideal for fossil collectors, natural history enthusiasts, or as an outstanding display specimen.
Please see all photographs for full details and accurate sizing. This is a rare opportunity to own a top-quality Bathonian ammonite from Wiltshire, rich in geological history and scientific value.
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