Cymbites Calcite Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Coast Charmouth Lyme Regis Dorset UK Genuine Lower Lias Specimen

Description

Authentic Cymbites Calcite Ammonite from the Jurassic Coast

This listing presents a rare and beautiful Cymbites ammonite fossil, preserved in striking calcite. The fossil comes from the world-renowned Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias Formation, located at Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK—a site within the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your specimen was discovered on 12 September 2025 by our team members Alister and Alison, and then expertly cleaned, prepared, and treated by Alison. The ammonite photographed is the exact one you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube included in the images for accurate sizing. As with all our specimens, it is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Setting – Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias

The Lower Lias Formation represents sediments deposited during the Early Jurassic (Hettangian–Sinemurian, ~201–190 million years ago). The Black Ven Marls are particularly famous for yielding exquisitely preserved ammonites, often in calcite or pyrite. These beds formed in shallow marine environments along the edge of the ancient Tethys Ocean.

Fine-grained sediments buried marine organisms rapidly, limiting decay and allowing for exceptional preservation. In the case of this ammonite, calcite recrystallisation has filled and replaced the original aragonite shell, leaving a natural fossilised cast with intricate detail.

This environment was dominated by fluctuating sea levels and periodic anoxic events, both of which contributed to the preservation of abundant ammonites, bivalves, and marine reptiles in the Lias Group.

The Species – Cymbites

Cymbites is a genus of small, tightly coiled ammonites belonging to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Psiloceratoidea, and family Cymbitidae. These ammonites are particularly significant because they are characteristic of the Lower Jurassic Hettangian stage, making them valuable index fossils.

Notable features of Cymbites ammonites include:

• Small, compressed shells with smooth whorls and faint or absent ribbing.
• A rounded venter that is characteristic of the genus.
• Their tendency to occur abundantly within specific biozones, particularly the Cymbites biozone of the Hettangian.
• A delicate shell form that makes their preservation in calcite especially striking and desirable to collectors.

These ammonites lived as active swimmers in the open seas, feeding on plankton and small marine animals. Their abundance and rapid evolutionary turnover mean they are extremely useful for correlating Jurassic strata across Europe.

Ethical Collection and Skilled Preparation

This specimen was responsibly collected from Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, a historic and scientifically important fossil site associated with the pioneering discoveries of Mary Anning and subsequent generations of collectors. Preparation was carried out by Alison using professional fossil-handling techniques to ensure that the natural calcite preservation remains undamaged and stable for display.

We are committed to ensuring that all our fossils are sustainably sourced, ethically collected, and carefully prepared. The price reflects not only the rarity of this specimen but also the many hours of skilled craftsmanship required to stabilise and present it to the highest standard.

Scientific and Collectible Importance

Cymbites ammonites are essential fossils for both collectors and paleontologists. Their presence marks precise intervals of geological time, allowing geologists to define and correlate the early Jurassic biozones. The calcite preservation of this specimen highlights delicate shell details, making it not just scientifically significant but also visually captivating.

Owning this fossil means holding a direct link to the Early Jurassic seas of 200 million years ago, when ammonites thrived in shallow coastal waters. Its discovery at Lyme Regis, one of the most important fossil localities in the world, further enhances its collectible value.

Key Details of This Specimen

• Species: Cymbites sp.
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Psiloceratoidea
• Family: Cymbitidae
• Age: Early Jurassic, Hettangian (~201–199 million years ago)
• Formation: Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias Formation
• Locality: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK (Jurassic Coast)
• Discovered by: Alister and Alison, 12 September 2025
• Prepared by: Alison
• Preservation: Calcite-recrystallised ammonite fossil
• Authenticity: 100% genuine, Certificate of Authenticity included
• Scale Reference: 1cm cube shown in photographs

This Cymbites calcite ammonite fossil is a scientifically important, ethically collected, and visually stunning specimen from the Jurassic Coast—an ideal addition for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history.