Description
Genuine Dactylioceras Ammonite Impression from Port Mulgrave
This genuine fossil ammonite impression is a carefully chosen Dactylioceras specimen from Port Mulgrave, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. It comes from the famous Whitby fossil coast, an area highly regarded by collectors for its classic Jurassic marine fossils and distinctive ammonite-bearing rocks. This specimen is from the Upper Toarcian stage of the Jurassic Period and preserves the natural impression of an ancient ammonite shell within the surrounding rock.
The photograph shows the actual fossil you will receive, allowing you to view the real preservation, matrix, shape, surface detail, and natural character before purchase. Full sizing can be seen in the photo, making it easy to assess the scale and suitability of the piece for a fossil cabinet, collector’s tray, educational collection, desk display, or natural history gift.
Fossil Type, Genus and Scientific Classification
Dactylioceras is an extinct genus of ammonite, a group of coiled cephalopod molluscs that lived in prehistoric seas. Ammonites are related to modern squid, cuttlefish, octopus, and nautilus, although the ammonite lineage itself is extinct. Dactylioceras belongs to the order Ammonitida and is generally associated with the family Dactylioceratidae.
These ammonites are among the most recognisable fossils from the Whitby and North Yorkshire coast. They are known for their planispiral coiled shells, rounded whorls, and strong ribbing. The ribs typically radiate across the shell and give Dactylioceras fossils their classic textured appearance. In an impression specimen, the original shell may no longer be present, but the rock preserves the natural mould or imprint of the ammonite’s form.
Upper Toarcian Jurassic Age
This fossil dates from the Upper Toarcian, part of the Early Jurassic. The Toarcian is an important geological stage because ammonites from this interval are widely used in biostratigraphy, helping palaeontologists compare and date marine rock layers. Dactylioceras and related ammonites are particularly useful because they evolved rapidly and were widely distributed in Jurassic seas.
During the Toarcian, the area now known as Whitby, Port Mulgrave, and the North Yorkshire coast was covered by a marine environment. Ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, marine reptiles, fish, and other sea life inhabited these waters, while fine sediment settled on the sea floor and helped preserve fossils over millions of years.
Port Mulgrave and Whitby Coast Geology
Port Mulgrave is a well-known fossil locality on the North Yorkshire coast, close to the famous Whitby fossil area. The cliffs and foreshore deposits in this region expose Jurassic marine rocks that have produced many collectible fossils, especially ammonites. The fossil-bearing sediments were laid down in an ancient sea, where mud, silt, and organic-rich material accumulated and preserved the remains and impressions of marine organisms.
Ammonite impressions from this area are valued for their natural appearance and strong locality interest. The surrounding matrix forms part of the specimen’s geological story, showing the fossil in the rock in which it was preserved.
Morphology and Natural Preservation
Dactylioceras ammonites typically show a tight spiral coil with numerous ribs running across the whorls. The living animal occupied the outer body chamber, while earlier chambers inside the shell helped with buoyancy. In life, these cephalopods were active marine animals, moving through Jurassic seas and forming an important part of the ancient ecosystem.
This specimen is preserved as an impression, capturing the form of the ammonite within the rock. Natural surface texture, matrix variation, mineral staining, shell outline, rib detail, and any irregularities are part of its authentic preservation. These features give the fossil its individual character and make it a distinctive display piece.
Discovered and Prepared by Our Team
This Dactylioceras ammonite impression was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, and has been cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison. This gives the fossil a direct and traceable connection from discovery through preparation, adding provenance and appeal for collectors who value carefully sourced specimens.
This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The certificate provides added confidence for collectors, schools, gift buyers, and anyone building a verified fossil or natural history collection.
Collecting, Display and Educational Appeal
A Dactylioceras ammonite impression from Port Mulgrave is an excellent addition to a British Jurassic fossil collection. It pairs well with Whitby ammonites, belemnites, fossil shells, marine reptile material, Yorkshire coast fossils, and other cephalopod specimens.
With its Upper Toarcian age, North Yorkshire locality, recognisable Dactylioceras form, natural impression preservation, and team-discovered provenance, this fossil offers strong collecting, display, and educational value.
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