Dactylioceras commune Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Upper Lias Banbury UK Genuine Specimen

Description

Dactylioceras commune Fossil Ammonite from Banbury, United Kingdom

This listing offers a fine Dactylioceras commune fossil ammonite, dating to the Upper Lias (Jurassic) and discovered in Banbury, United Kingdom. Known for its distinctive ribbed shell and importance in Jurassic palaeontology, this specimen represents one of the most recognisable and scientifically valuable ammonites of the Early Jurassic seas. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing. All of our fossils are 100% genuine and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Setting – Upper Lias, Jurassic

This ammonite comes from the Upper Lias stage, part of the Early Jurassic, approximately 182–174 million years ago. The region around Banbury, Oxfordshire, has exposures of Lias Group rocks, deposited in a shallow marine environment during a time when much of Britain was covered by warm epicontinental seas.

These sedimentary deposits, consisting mainly of clays, shales, and limestones, created ideal conditions for fossil preservation. Ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, and marine reptiles are among the many creatures preserved within the Upper Lias, and Dactylioceras commune is one of the most abundant and well-documented ammonites from this interval.

Species and Taxonomy

• Genus: Dactylioceras
• Species: commune
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Family: Dactylioceratidae

Dactylioceras commune belongs to the Dactylioceratidae, a family of ammonites characterised by their evolute shells and strong ribbing. This species is widely recognised and often used as an index fossil, making it vital for dating and correlating rock sequences from the Early Jurassic across Europe.

Morphological Features

The Dactylioceras commune ammonite is particularly distinctive due to its:

• Shell form: Evolute coiling with earlier whorls visible, producing a broad and open appearance.
• Ribbing: Strong, radial ribs extend across the flanks and cross the venter uninterrupted, giving the fossil a striking ornamented look.
• Whorl profile: Rounded and well-defined, contributing to its symmetry and visual appeal.
• Sutures: Intricate suture lines typical of the genus, adding detail for study and display.

These features make the species instantly recognisable and highly valued both for scientific purposes and as a display fossil.

Stratigraphy and Biozone Significance

Dactylioceras commune is a key index fossil within the Upper Lias, specifically within Toarcian biozones. Its abundance and widespread occurrence make it crucial for refining stratigraphy and correlating marine sediments across Europe. Specimens such as this provide vital evidence for palaeontological studies of ammonite evolution and Jurassic ecosystems.

Collector and Scientific Value

• Collectors will value this fossil for its classic form, strong ribbing, and provenance from Banbury, a well-documented Jurassic locality.
• Researchers and educators use it as a prime example of an index fossil that defines Jurassic biozones.
• For display, its bold ribbing and symmetry make it an attractive piece, ideal as a centrepiece fossil for any natural history collection.

Authenticity and Guarantee

All of our fossils are responsibly sourced and are 100% genuine specimens. This Dactylioceras commune has been carefully selected for its preservation and visual appeal. Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, giving you complete confidence in its geological origin.

Key Information at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Dactylioceras commune
• Geological Age: Upper Lias, Jurassic (~182–174 million years old)
• Locality: Banbury, United Kingdom
• Family: Dactylioceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Condition: Natural fossil with strong ribbing and excellent preservation
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This Dactylioceras commune ammonite fossil from Banbury is both scientifically significant and visually striking, making it an excellent choice for fossil collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of Britain’s Jurassic heritage.