British Jurassic Lobster Fossil Fragments 5–20mm, Oxford Clay, Weymouth Dorset UK Crustacean

Description

 

Authentic British Jurassic Fossils from the Oxford Clay

 

Discover a genuine glimpse into the Jurassic seas of 160 million years ago with these carefully selected lobster fossil fragments, sourced from the famous Oxford Clay Formation at Tidmoor Point, Weymouth, Dorset, UK. These fossilised remains represent a fascinating piece of palaeontological history, offering collectors and enthusiasts a chance to own a fragment of an ancient seabed teeming with marine life.

 

Each fossil in this listing is a real, naturally preserved specimen. Sizes range between 5mm and 20mm, as shown in the scale cube (1cm) photo provided. You will receive a piece similar to the photographed example — all of our fossils are carefully selected for quality and authenticity. A Certificate of Authenticity is included with every order.

 

 

Geological Context: Oxford Clay Formation

 

These lobster fragments originate from the Upper Callovian Stage of the Jurassic Period, approximately 163–157 million years ago. The Oxford Clay is a marine sedimentary formation renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved marine fossils, including crustaceans, ammonites, and marine reptiles.

 

The Oxford Clay was deposited in a shallow epicontinental sea during the Middle to Late Jurassic, under low-energy, anoxic conditions ideal for fossil preservation. Its fine-grained mudstones and shales are particularly rich in organic material, making it a productive site for palaeontologists.

 

Tidmoor Point, near Weymouth, lies within the Peterborough Member of the Oxford Clay, a zone particularly known for fossil crustaceans. This locality has yielded a wide variety of faunal remains, offering a window into an ecosystem dominated by marine invertebrates and predatory reptiles.

 

 

Fossil Type and Scientific Classification

 

These fossils are crustacean fragments, most likely attributable to Jurassic lobster species such as Meyerella or Eryma, members of the infraorder Glypheidea or family Erymidae. These extinct lobsters had robust, segmented exoskeletons and strong chelae (claws), parts of which are often preserved in the fossil record.

 

Characteristic features of these fragments may include the carapace (main shell), pleura (side plates), or chelae tips. Although fragmentary, they retain morphological features such as surface ornamentation, segmentation, and curvature typical of Jurassic decapod lobsters. Their survival over millions of years is a testament to the durability of crustacean exoskeletons and the exceptional preservation conditions of the Oxford Clay.

 

These fossils were deposited in a calm, muddy marine environment, which facilitated the anaerobic preservation of delicate exoskeletal structures — a rarity for decapod crustaceans whose remains are often disarticulated and scattered.

 

 

Perfect for Collectors, Educational Use, or Display

 

Whether you are building a fossil collection, teaching geological history, or simply appreciate the natural wonders of the Jurassic world, these lobster fragments are a brilliant choice. Their compact size makes them ideal for mounting, display cases, or educational kits. Each fossil is entirely natural — no reconstructions, replicas, or enhancements.

 

With each purchase, you will receive:

 

• One genuine lobster fossil fragment (5–20mm)
• A high-resolution photo of a typical specimen
• A Certificate of Authenticity

 

These are limited specimens from a legally collected and historically rich locality. Add a piece of ancient Dorset seafloor to your collection today.