Description
Authentic Cardioceras buckowskii Ammonite Fossil from Dorset, UK
This specimen is a genuine Cardioceras buckowskii ammonite fossil from the Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period, dating to around 160 million years ago. Found at the well-known locality of Redcliff Point, Dorset, England, this ammonite represents an important and collectible species within the Cardioceratidae family. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, carefully chosen for quality and scientific interest, and it comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Age and Locality
The Oxfordian Stage (163–157 million years ago) marks the early part of the Late Jurassic, a time when southern England was submerged beneath shallow epicontinental seas. The cliffs at Redcliff Point in Dorset are part of the famous Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated worldwide for its rich fossil record. These layers are particularly known for yielding ammonites that serve as important biostratigraphic markers. This Cardioceras fossil is not only a piece of natural history but also a significant reference point for understanding the evolution of ammonites during this time.
Scientific Classification
- Species: Cardioceras buckowskii
- Genus: Cardioceras
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Age: Oxfordian, Jurassic Period
- Locality: Redcliff Point, Dorset, United Kingdom
Morphological Characteristics
Cardioceras buckowskii displays the classic ribbed morphology of the genus, with sharply defined ribs that sweep radially across its whorls. The ribbing often bifurcates or trifurcates, lending the shell a bold, sculptural quality. The whorls are relatively involute, with earlier coils partially concealed by later growth, and the venter (outer margin) is typically rounded or slightly keeled. These features make Cardioceras buckowskii instantly recognisable and highly sought after among fossil enthusiasts.
Biozone and Scientific Importance
Ammonites such as Cardioceras buckowskii are considered index fossils, essential for dividing Jurassic time into well-defined intervals. The presence of this species helps geologists accurately correlate rock strata across Europe, making it a cornerstone for Jurassic biostratigraphy. Its occurrence at Redcliff Point contributes to the wider understanding of the Oxfordian marine succession, where ammonite faunas played a pivotal role in reconstructing past environments and evolutionary histories.
Depositional Environment
During the Oxfordian, the Dorset coastline was part of a warm, shallow sea that supported a diverse ecosystem. Ammonites such as Cardioceras buckowskii were free-swimming cephalopods, actively hunting in the water column. Upon death, their shells sank to the seabed, where they were buried in soft marine sediments. Over millions of years, these sediments lithified, preserving the ammonites as fossils. The high-quality preservation of this specimen reflects the relatively calm depositional environment of the Jurassic seas that covered the region.
Collector and Display Value
This ammonite fossil is both a scientifically important specimen and a visually striking collector’s piece. Its ribbed shell pattern and historic locality make it highly desirable for collectors, educational purposes, or as a unique natural display item. Fossils from Redcliff Point, Dorset, carry added prestige as part of the world-famous Jurassic Coast, ensuring this piece will stand out in any fossil or natural history collection.
Item Details
- Type: Fossil Ammonite – Cardioceras buckowskii
- Age: Oxfordian, Jurassic Period (approx. 160 million years old)
- Location: Redcliff Point, Dorset, United Kingdom
- Notable Features: Strong ribbing, classic Oxfordian ammonite form
- Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (see photo for full sizing)
- Authenticity: Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Specimen: The exact fossil shown in the photographs is the one you will receive
A superb opportunity to own a genuine Jurassic ammonite fossil from the Oxfordian deposits of Dorset, combining scientific importance with natural beauty.
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