Catacoeloceras raquinianum Ammonite Fossil | Lower Toarcian, Jurassic | Alum Shales, Kettleness Whitby UK | Alice Purnell Collection

Description

Fossil Type & Species:

This listing features a genuine ammonite fossil of Catacoeloceras raquinianum, a beautifully ribbed and scientifically important species from the Fimbulatum Subzone of the Bifrons Zone, dating to the Lower Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic. This specimen was collected from the Alum Shales at Kettleness, near Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK, and comes from the distinguished Alice Purnell Collection, known for rare, well-documented British fossil specimens.

Geological Formation & Insight:

Catacoeloceras raquinianum is a member of the Dactylioceratidae family, notable for their compressed, evolute shells and characteristic bifurcating ribs. These ammonites are excellent biostratigraphic markers within the Toarcian and are widely used to subdivide the Jurassic rock record.

The fossil was preserved in the Alum Shales Formation, a famous Jurassic unit along the Yorkshire coast, renowned for yielding exquisitely preserved marine fossils. Dating to approximately 182–180 million years ago, the Fimbulatum Subzone is a key interval within the Bifrons Zone, providing critical insight into faunal turnover during the early Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event.

The Kettleness locality, just east of Whitby, is a premier fossil site in the UK, producing ammonites, belemnites, marine reptiles, and other Jurassic marine life from finely laminated shales. Fossils from this site are typically beautifully preserved and highly sought after by collectors and researchers alike.

Item Specifics:

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Catacoeloceras raquinianum
• Geological Age: Lower Toarcian Stage, Early Jurassic (~182–180 million years ago)
• Subzone/Zone: Fimbulatum Subzone, Bifrons Zone
• Formation: Alum Shales Formation
• Locality: Kettleness, Whitby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
• Provenance: From the Alice Purnell Collection
• Preservation: Excellent – distinct ribbing, coiling, and matrix integrity
• Colour: Natural tones – typically grey or brown fossil in black shale
• Size: Please refer to the photo — scale cube = 1cm
• Condition: 100% natural; no restoration
• Specimen: The exact fossil in the photo is the one you will receive

Authenticity Guarantee:

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This Catacoeloceras raquinianum fossil has been carefully curated from the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection, ensuring scientific integrity, authenticity, and collector-grade quality.

Shipping & Packaging:

Your specimen will be securely packed and shipped with full tracking. A rare and museum-quality ammonite ideal for collectors, educators, museum displays, or as a truly unique gift from deep time.

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