Description
Rare Cymbites laevigatus Ammonite Fossil from the Jurassic Coast
This listing offers a genuine Cymbites laevigatus ammonite fossil, collected from the Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias Formation, Jurassic Coast, Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, United Kingdom. This fossil dates back to the Early Jurassic period, specifically the Sinemurian stage, approximately 199–190 million years ago. The exact specimen photographed is the one you will receive, shown with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate size reference. As with all our fossils, it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and authenticity.
Geological Context – Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias
The Black Ven Marls are part of the Lower Lias Formation, one of the most important geological sequences in Britain and globally recognised for its fossil richness. These deposits were laid down during the Early Jurassic in shallow, warm epicontinental seas that covered much of southern England. The fine-grained marls and shales preserved an abundance of marine life in exceptional detail, making Charmouth and Lyme Regis part of the world-famous Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Lower Lias is especially noted for its ammonite diversity, providing invaluable index fossils that enable paleontologists to divide and date Jurassic rock layers. Fossils from this location connect directly to the pioneering work of Mary Anning and other early collectors, cementing Charmouth’s place in paleontological history.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Cymbites
- Species: Cymbites laevigatus
- Family: Oxynoticeratidae
- Superfamily: Psiloceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Geological Stage: Sinemurian, Early Jurassic (c. 199–190 million years ago)
- Formation: Lower Lias, Black Ven Marls
- Locality: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK
Morphological Features of Cymbites laevigatus
The ammonite Cymbites laevigatus is known for its distinctive and elegant shell morphology:
- Smooth shell surface with minimal ribbing, giving it a polished appearance compared to many ribbed Sinemurian ammonites.
- Involute coiling, with inner whorls partially concealed by later growth.
- Rounded venter with a clean, continuous outline.
- The sutures, though less ornate than some contemporaries, display the characteristic folded pattern of ammonites.
These traits make the species immediately recognisable and valued both by collectors and researchers for its clarity of form.
Paleontological Importance
Ammonites like Cymbites laevigatus serve as excellent index fossils for the Early Jurassic, allowing geologists to date rock layers with precision. Their restricted time range and wide distribution mean they are vital for establishing biozones, which underpin much of Jurassic stratigraphy.
In particular, Cymbites laevigatus is tied to Sinemurian ammonite zones used across Europe, making specimens like this crucial for correlating sedimentary deposits across different regions. For collectors, owning such a fossil is to hold a piece of geological history that continues to guide modern science.
Paleoecology and Ancient Environment
Cymbites ammonites lived in shallow seas, where they were active nektonic cephalopods, capable of swimming freely through the water column. They used their chambered shells to regulate buoyancy, allowing them to pursue prey such as small crustaceans, molluscs, and plankton.
Their environment would have been shared with other ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, as well as abundant fish. This fossil provides a tangible link to the thriving ecosystems of the Early Jurassic seas that once covered Dorset.
Collector and Display Value
This Cymbites laevigatus ammonite fossil from Charmouth combines rarity, scientific significance, and aesthetic appeal. Its smooth, well-preserved shell makes it an attractive display specimen, while its documented provenance from one of the most famous fossil localities in the world adds both educational and historical value.
Suitable for serious collectors, academic interest, or anyone captivated by the natural beauty of fossils, this piece offers an authentic connection to Britain’s Jurassic past.
Key Details
- Fossil Type: Ammonite
- Species: Cymbites laevigatus
- Age: Sinemurian Stage, Early Jurassic (c. 199–190 million years old)
- Geological Context: Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias Formation
- Locality: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK
- Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Exact specimen shown in photos with 1 cm scale cube
This is a unique opportunity to acquire a genuine ammonite fossil from the Jurassic Coast, offering both natural beauty and deep scientific value.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.