Description
Genuine Cardioceras praemartini Ammonite Fossil from Dorset, United Kingdom
This is an authentic Cardioceras praemartini ammonite fossil from the Lower Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period, dating to approximately 163–160 million years ago. Found in the fossil-rich deposits of Dorset, United Kingdom, this specimen represents one of the most scientifically important ammonites from the Jurassic seas of Europe. The fossil has been carefully chosen for both its preservation and scientific value, and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its genuineness and provenance. The photographs provided show the exact specimen you will receive.
Geological Setting and Age
The Oxfordian Stage marks the earliest part of the Late Jurassic, during which Europe was largely covered by shallow epicontinental seas. Dorset is world-famous for its Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that provides a continuous sequence of strata spanning over 185 million years of geological history. The Lower Oxfordian beds exposed along the Dorset coast are especially significant for ammonite research, and fossils like Cardioceras praemartini are key indicators used in stratigraphy and paleontology.
Scientific Classification
- Species: Cardioceras praemartini
- Genus: Cardioceras
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic Period (~163–160 million years ago)
- Locality: Dorset, United Kingdom
Morphology and Features
Cardioceras praemartini is characterised by a moderately involute shell with distinctive ribbing patterns that sweep outward across the whorls before crossing the venter. The ribs tend to be strong and prominent, giving the shell a robust appearance. These diagnostic features help distinguish C. praemartini from closely related species within the genus. The shell morphology reflects an active nektonic lifestyle, with these ammonites likely occupying mid-water habitats as agile swimmers and predators, much like their modern relatives, the squid and cuttlefish.
Stratigraphic and Scientific Importance
Ammonites of the genus Cardioceras are important index fossils for the Lower Oxfordian, making them critical for defining and correlating stratigraphic zones across Europe. The presence of Cardioceras praemartini allows paleontologists to establish precise biostratigraphic frameworks, which are essential for both geological research and oil exploration. This species belongs to a key biozone that helps refine the subdivision of Jurassic stages. As such, owning a specimen of C. praemartini is not only a privilege for collectors but also a connection to the tools geologists use to read Earth’s history.
Depositional Environment
During the Oxfordian, the Dorset coast lay beneath warm, shallow seas that supported an abundance of marine life. The conditions were ideal for the preservation of ammonites, with fine-grained sediments rapidly covering their shells after death. Over millions of years, these sediments lithified into the limestone and clay beds that still yield remarkable fossils today. The fossilisation process preserved intricate details of ammonite shells, allowing us to appreciate both their beauty and scientific value.
Collector’s Value and Display
This Cardioceras praemartini ammonite is more than just a fossil—it is a striking piece of natural history with both educational and display value. Collectors will appreciate its strong ribbing and characteristic Jurassic features, while educators can use it to demonstrate ammonite morphology and Jurassic stratigraphy. Displaying such a specimen offers a tangible connection to Earth’s deep past and the marine ecosystems of the Jurassic seas.
Item Details
- Type: Fossil Ammonite – Cardioceras praemartini
- Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–160 million years old)
- Location: Dorset, United Kingdom
- Notable Features: Distinctive ribbing, diagnostic Oxfordian species
- Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (see photos for exact sizing)
- Authenticity: Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Specimen: The exact fossil photographed is the specimen you will receive
An exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuine Cardioceras praemartini ammonite fossil from the world-renowned Jurassic deposits of Dorset, UK.
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