Catacoeloceras crassum Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Lower Toarcian Kettleness Whitby UK

Description

Catacoeloceras crassum Fossil Ammonite from Kettleness, Whitby

This listing is for a rare and beautifully preserved Catacoeloceras crassum fossil ammonite, originating from the Lower Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period. Found at Kettleness, near Whitby on the Yorkshire coast, this specimen is an authentic example of a classic British ammonite from one of the world’s most famous fossil localities. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing. Every purchase comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring this specimen’s provenance and genuineness.

Geological Age and Locality – Lower Toarcian, Jurassic

This ammonite dates back to the Lower Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 182–174 million years ago. At this time, the region that is now Whitby was part of a shallow epicontinental sea, with sediments deposited as fine-grained black shales and mudstones. These conditions were perfect for preserving marine fossils in exquisite detail. The Kettleness cliffs are especially renowned for yielding ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles, making them one of Britain’s most important fossil localities.

Species and Classification

• Genus: Catacoeloceras
• Species: crassum
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Family: Dactylioceratidae

This species belongs to the Dactylioceratidae, a family of ammonites known for their ribbed shells and evolutionary diversity during the Early Jurassic. Catacoeloceras crassum is a distinctive species within this group, well-recognised for its strong ribbing and solid whorl structure.

Morphological Features

The defining characteristics of Catacoeloceras crassum include:

• Shell form: Moderately involute with sturdy whorls.
• Ribbing: Strong, broad ribs that cross the whorl surface, sometimes bifurcating toward the venter.
• Whorl shape: A thick and robust form, reflecting the species name crassum, meaning “thick” or “solid.”
• Sutures: Fine, intricate suture lines typical of Dactylioceratidae ammonites, adding detail to the fossil’s overall appearance.

These traits make Catacoeloceras crassum both visually impressive and scientifically valuable, as they represent adaptations to marine environments of the Early Jurassic seas.

Stratigraphy and Biozone Importance

Catacoeloceras crassum is associated with the Lower Toarcian succession, often linked to the Catacoeloceras crassum Biozone, an important subdivision used by geologists to refine dating and correlation of Jurassic deposits. As a biostratigraphic marker species, its presence in Whitby’s shales helps to define an essential interval in Jurassic time, making it key for both scientific study and fossil collectors.

Collector and Scientific Value

This specimen holds great appeal across different fields of interest:

• Collectors value it for its rarity, preservation, and association with Whitby, one of the most celebrated fossil localities in the world.
• Researchers and educators prize it for its stratigraphic importance and distinctive morphology.
• Display purposes benefit from its striking ribbing and robust form, making it an attractive centrepiece in any fossil collection.

Authenticity and Quality Guarantee

All of our fossils are guaranteed to be 100% genuine specimens. This Catacoeloceras crassum ammonite has been carefully selected for quality and authenticity, and it has been prepared to showcase its natural detail. A Certificate of Authenticity is included, offering full assurance of its geological origin.

Key Information at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Catacoeloceras crassum
• Geological Age: Lower Toarcian, Jurassic (~182–174 million years old)
• Locality: Kettleness, Whitby, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
• Family: Dactylioceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Condition: Natural fossil, well-preserved with clear ribbing and shell detail
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This Catacoeloceras crassum ammonite from Kettleness, Whitby is a rare and scientifically significant fossil, combining aesthetic beauty with stratigraphic importance. It is a must-have piece for serious collectors, educational institutions, or anyone passionate about the rich fossil heritage of the Jurassic seas.