Charmouth Ammonite Impression Fossil Jurassic Lyme Regis Dorset UK Lower Lias Black Ven Marls

Description

Authentic Charmouth Ammonite Impression from the Jurassic Coast

This listing presents a genuine Charmouth ammonite impression fossil recovered from the renowned Black Ven Marls, Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset, along England’s world-famous Jurassic Coast. Preserved as a natural impression within the surrounding matrix, this specimen captures the external form of an ancient ammonite exactly as it was recorded in the sediment during burial. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, carefully selected for clarity, integrity, and visual appeal. Full sizing details are shown in the photos.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, providing complete confidence in provenance and legitimacy.

Geological Formation and Geological Age

This fossil originates from the Lower Lias Group, deposited during the Early Jurassic Period, approximately 199–191 million years ago, within the Sinemurian Stage. The Black Ven Marls consist of fine-grained marine mudstones and marls laid down in a shallow epicontinental sea that covered much of southern Britain. This formation is internationally significant for its abundance of ammonites and its importance in Jurassic biostratigraphy. Continuous coastal erosion at Black Ven regularly reveals fresh fossil material, making this locality one of the most important and historically productive fossil sites in Europe.

Fossil Type and Style of Preservation

This specimen represents an ammonite impression, formed when the original aragonitic shell dissolved during early diagenesis, leaving a detailed negative mould preserved within the surrounding sediment. Such impressions faithfully record the shell’s external morphology, including whorl shape, growth lines, and ribbing patterns. Ammonite impressions from the Charmouth and Lyme Regis area are highly regarded for their natural aesthetic and scientific value, offering a clear record of shell form even when original shell material is no longer present.

Morphology and Visible Characteristics

The impression displays the characteristic planispiral coiling typical of ammonites, with clearly defined whorls impressed into the marl matrix. Ribbing can be seen curving across the flanks, reflecting the streamlined shell form that allowed ammonites to thrive as active nektonic predators in Jurassic seas. The contrast between the fossil impression and the surrounding matrix enhances visibility, making the specimen both informative and visually striking. These impressions provide valuable insight into ammonite growth and shell architecture.

Depositional Environment

During the Early Jurassic, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth coastline lay beneath a warm, shallow marine environment with relatively calm water conditions. Fine sediments settled slowly on the sea floor, allowing shells to be buried before significant disturbance occurred. Periodic low-oxygen conditions reduced scavenging and bioturbation, contributing to the preservation of delicate fossil impressions such as this one. These environmental conditions underpin the exceptional fossil record preserved within the Black Ven Marls and across the wider Jurassic Coast.

Collecting, Display, and Educational Value

This Charmouth ammonite impression fossil is ideal for private collections, educational settings, museum displays, or refined interior presentation. Its classic British provenance, clear geological context, and natural style of preservation make it both scientifically meaningful and aesthetically engaging. Ammonite impressions from Lyme Regis have played a key role in the history of palaeontology and remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide. Each specimen we offer is individually selected, ensuring you receive an authentic and carefully curated piece of Early Jurassic marine history from one of the most celebrated fossil localities on Earth.