Dactylioceras commune Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Whitby UK Genuine Specimen Certificate

Description

Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil – Dactylioceras commune

This listing is for a beautifully preserved Dactylioceras commune Fossil Ammonite from the world-renowned fossil beds of Runswick Bay, Whitby, United Kingdom. This genuine ammonite specimen comes from the Middle Lias (Lower Jurassic), dating back around 180 million years, and provides a striking and scientifically valuable piece of natural history. The fossil is an excellent collector’s item, chosen for its quality, preservation, and classic provenance.

Geological Age and Provenance

This ammonite was discovered in the Jurassic deposits of the Middle Lias, part of the Lower Jurassic system. The rocks at Whitby and Runswick Bay are especially famous for yielding superbly preserved ammonites, often with fine ribbing and excellent detail. The geological strata in this region belong to the Upper Pliensbachian stage, a time when shallow seas covered much of what is now northern England. These fossil-bearing layers are internationally significant, as they contain a diverse assemblage of marine fossils that help paleontologists reconstruct ancient marine environments and track evolutionary changes across the Jurassic seas.

Fossil Type and Species

This specimen represents Dactylioceras commune, a highly recognisable ammonite species within the family Dactylioceratidae, superfamily Eoderoceratoidea, and order Ammonitida. Ammonites were extinct cephalopods related to squids and octopuses, and their spiral shells served both as protection and as a buoyancy aid for navigating ancient oceans. Dactylioceras commune is an important and widespread species that has become one of the most iconic Whitby fossils, frequently collected and scientifically referenced.

Morphological Features and Notable Traits

The shell of Dactylioceras commune is distinctive and well-defined, making it instantly recognisable:

• Planispiral shell tightly coiled into a flat spiral.
• Strong ribbing, with ribs extending across the flanks and reaching the outer whorl.
• Moderately wide umbilicus, showing inner coils clearly.
• Complex suture lines inside the chambers, often visible on well-preserved nodules or weathered specimens.

These features make this ammonite a key index fossil used to identify Jurassic biozones. Its abundance and easily recognisable shape allowed geologists to date and correlate rock layers across Europe.

Depositional Environment

During the Jurassic, Whitby and its surrounding coastline formed part of a shallow marine basin. Fine muds and silts settled onto the seabed, entombing marine creatures such as ammonites shortly after death. Over millions of years, these sediments hardened into shale and limestone, with the ammonites preserved inside. The natural mineralisation process preserved extraordinary detail, enabling collectors today to admire the beauty of these ancient cephalopods.

Scientific and Collecting Importance

Fossils from Whitby are world famous due to their role in early paleontology, especially during the Victorian era when fossil hunting flourished in Yorkshire. Dactylioceras commune is among the most significant ammonites from this region, valued both by researchers for its stratigraphic importance and by collectors for its aesthetic and historical appeal.

Authenticity and Presentation

• 100% Genuine Fossil Specimen
• Species: Dactylioceras commune
• Age: Jurassic, Middle Lias, approx. 180 million years old
• Locality: Runswick Bay, Whitby, United Kingdom
• Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
• The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive
• Scale cube in photos = 1 cm for accurate sizing

This is a genuine fossil from one of Britain’s most iconic fossil localities. Whether for display, education, or personal collection, this Whitby ammonite makes an exceptional addition to any collection of natural history.