Description
Offered for sale is a beautifully preserved 5.5″ fossil ammonite, identified as Microderoceras birchi, an iconic species from the Lower Pliensbachian Stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 190 million years ago. This exceptional specimen was discovered at the famous fossil site of Charmouth, along the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, United Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich geological history and abundance of marine fossils.
Microderoceras birchi is one of the most recognisable ammonites of the Lower Jurassic and is noted for its highly involute and strongly ribbed shell, often displaying a complex spiral of tightly packed whorls. Belonging to the family Eoderoceratidae, these ammonites were nektonic marine predators that thrived in warm shallow seas that once covered large areas of southern England during the Jurassic.
The geology of Charmouth is part of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation, composed of grey mudstones and siltstones interbedded with limestone nodules. These sediments were deposited in a low-energy marine environment, ideal for the preservation of delicate shelled organisms such as ammonites.
This particular specimen comes from the renowned Alice Purnell Collection, comprising rare and scientifically important fossils collected and curated over several decades. The ammonite has been professionally cleaned and conserved to highlight its natural form, making it both a valuable collector’s item and a visually striking piece of Earth’s ancient history.
Item Details:
- Species: Microderoceras birchi
- Type: Fossil Ammonite
- Size: Approx. 5.5 inches
- Geological Age: Lower Pliensbachian Stage, Early Jurassic (~190 Mya)
- Formation: Charmouth Mudstone Formation
- Location Found: Charmouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
- Provenance: Alice Purnell Fossil Collection
- Scale Reference: Scale cube/squares = 1cm (please refer to photos for actual sizing)
- Certificate of Authenticity: Included
ACTUAL AS SEEN:
The photograph shows the exact fossil specimen you will receive. This is a one-of-a-kind piece, carefully selected and photographed to provide an accurate representation. Please note that due to natural variation and monitor settings, colours may differ slightly. Once sold, the listing will be updated with a new fossil specimen and fresh imagery.
100% Genuine Fossil – Professionally Prepared – Certificate of Authenticity Included
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