Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

FREE UK DELIVERY - Save up to 60%

Dactylioceras commune Fossil Ammonite Whitby Jurassic Toarcian A-Grade UK

Dactylioceras commune Fossil Ammonite Whitby Jurassic Toarcian A-Grade UK

£60.00

Dactylioceras commune Fossil Ammonite – Lower Toarcian, Jurassic, Whitby, Yorkshire, UK

This authentic Dactylioceras commune fossil ammonite comes from the world-renowned Jurassic fossil beds surrounding Whitby, Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Beautifully preserved in natural detail, this specimen represents one of the most iconic ammonites of the Lower Toarcian seas. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with 1 cm scale cubes included for accurate size reference. All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Formation and Age

This ammonite originates from the Lower Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 182–174 million years old. The fossil comes specifically from the Whitby Mudstone Formation, a world-famous unit known for its exceptional preservation of marine fossils due to its anoxic seafloor conditions.

The soft, fine-grained muds that once covered these ammonites formed in a quiet, oxygen-poor marine basin. These conditions slowed decay, prevented scavenging, and allowed ammonites, ichthyosaurs, belemnites, and other marine life to fossilise in remarkable detail.

Fossil Type, Species, and Classification

Fossil Type

  • Ammonite (Subclass Ammonoidea) – extinct marine cephalopods related to modern squid and cuttlefish.

Species and Taxonomy

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

This species is one of the most characteristic ammonites of the Lower Toarcian and is widely used as an index fossil across Europe.

Biozone and Stratigraphic Importance

Dactylioceras commune is closely associated with the Harpoceras falciferum Zone of the Lower Toarcian, a key biostratigraphic interval frequently used to correlate Jurassic marine sediments across the UK and Europe.

Its abundance, widespread distribution, and rapid evolutionary turnover make it scientifically valuable for dating and interpreting ancient marine environments.

Morphological Features

This specimen displays the definitive traits of Dactylioceras commune, including:

  • Strong, densely spaced ribbing running across the whorls
  • Simple, evolute coiling with all whorls clearly visible
  • Rounded venter with ribs crossing uninterrupted
  • Well-developed umbilicus typical of the genus
  • Calcite and pyrite infill often seen within Whitby ammonites
  • Fine preservation of rib detail reflecting high-quality fossilisation conditions

The combination of sharp ribbing and well-defined whorls makes this species instantly recognisable.

Depositional Environment

The Whitby area, positioned along the ancient margins of the Jurassic North Sea Basin, once hosted a deep marine environment low in oxygen. The basin floor accumulated thick layers of carbon-rich muds, producing the dark shales and mudstones seen today. These sediments helped preserve ammonites in exceptional detail, sometimes including pyritisation, which enhances rib and shell definition.

The unique environmental conditions have made Whitby one of the most important Jurassic fossil localities in the world.

Scientific and Collector Interest

This ammonite is valued for both academic and aesthetic reasons:

  • Widely used in Jurassic stratigraphy
  • Represents key phases of ammonite evolution during the Early Jurassic
  • Displays textbook examples of Dactylioceras morphology
  • Sourced from one of Britain’s most historically significant fossil sites

Collectors prize Whitby ammonites for their distinctive appearance and excellent preservation.

Collector Grade and Display Appeal

This Dactylioceras commune fossil has been selected for its:

  • Strong, symmetrical ribbing
  • Well-preserved whorl structure
  • Attractive natural mineralisation
  • Clean, stable matrix
  • Aesthetic display profile

Its striking radial ribbing and iconic shape make it an exceptional display specimen suitable for natural history collections, educational exhibits, or decorative fossil arrangements.

Ideal for Collectors, Fossil Enthusiasts, and Natural History Displays

This genuine Whitby ammonite combines scientific significance, geological beauty, and exceptional preservation. It is a classic Toarcian species from one of the UK’s most celebrated fossil localities, making it an outstanding addition to any fossil collection or display setting.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: UF6063 Category:

Description

Dactylioceras commune Fossil Ammonite – Lower Toarcian, Jurassic, Whitby, Yorkshire, UK

This authentic Dactylioceras commune fossil ammonite comes from the world-renowned Jurassic fossil beds surrounding Whitby, Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Beautifully preserved in natural detail, this specimen represents one of the most iconic ammonites of the Lower Toarcian seas. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with 1 cm scale cubes included for accurate size reference. All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Formation and Age

This ammonite originates from the Lower Toarcian Stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 182–174 million years old. The fossil comes specifically from the Whitby Mudstone Formation, a world-famous unit known for its exceptional preservation of marine fossils due to its anoxic seafloor conditions.

The soft, fine-grained muds that once covered these ammonites formed in a quiet, oxygen-poor marine basin. These conditions slowed decay, prevented scavenging, and allowed ammonites, ichthyosaurs, belemnites, and other marine life to fossilise in remarkable detail.

Fossil Type, Species, and Classification

Fossil Type

  • Ammonite (Subclass Ammonoidea) – extinct marine cephalopods related to modern squid and cuttlefish.

Species and Taxonomy

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

This species is one of the most characteristic ammonites of the Lower Toarcian and is widely used as an index fossil across Europe.

Biozone and Stratigraphic Importance

Dactylioceras commune is closely associated with the Harpoceras falciferum Zone of the Lower Toarcian, a key biostratigraphic interval frequently used to correlate Jurassic marine sediments across the UK and Europe.

Its abundance, widespread distribution, and rapid evolutionary turnover make it scientifically valuable for dating and interpreting ancient marine environments.

Morphological Features

This specimen displays the definitive traits of Dactylioceras commune, including:

  • Strong, densely spaced ribbing running across the whorls
  • Simple, evolute coiling with all whorls clearly visible
  • Rounded venter with ribs crossing uninterrupted
  • Well-developed umbilicus typical of the genus
  • Calcite and pyrite infill often seen within Whitby ammonites
  • Fine preservation of rib detail reflecting high-quality fossilisation conditions

The combination of sharp ribbing and well-defined whorls makes this species instantly recognisable.

Depositional Environment

The Whitby area, positioned along the ancient margins of the Jurassic North Sea Basin, once hosted a deep marine environment low in oxygen. The basin floor accumulated thick layers of carbon-rich muds, producing the dark shales and mudstones seen today. These sediments helped preserve ammonites in exceptional detail, sometimes including pyritisation, which enhances rib and shell definition.

The unique environmental conditions have made Whitby one of the most important Jurassic fossil localities in the world.

Scientific and Collector Interest

This ammonite is valued for both academic and aesthetic reasons:

  • Widely used in Jurassic stratigraphy
  • Represents key phases of ammonite evolution during the Early Jurassic
  • Displays textbook examples of Dactylioceras morphology
  • Sourced from one of Britain’s most historically significant fossil sites

Collectors prize Whitby ammonites for their distinctive appearance and excellent preservation.

Collector Grade and Display Appeal

This Dactylioceras commune fossil has been selected for its:

  • Strong, symmetrical ribbing
  • Well-preserved whorl structure
  • Attractive natural mineralisation
  • Clean, stable matrix
  • Aesthetic display profile

Its striking radial ribbing and iconic shape make it an exceptional display specimen suitable for natural history collections, educational exhibits, or decorative fossil arrangements.

Ideal for Collectors, Fossil Enthusiasts, and Natural History Displays

This genuine Whitby ammonite combines scientific significance, geological beauty, and exceptional preservation. It is a classic Toarcian species from one of the UK’s most celebrated fossil localities, making it an outstanding addition to any fossil collection or display setting.

Additional information

Era

Jurassic
Origin

United Kingdom

Jurassic Information

The Jurassic Period (201–145 million years ago) was the golden age of dinosaurs, with iconic species like Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus dominating the land. It was a time of warm, humid climates, with high sea levels that created vast shallow seas, supporting abundant marine reptiles, ammonites, and early coral reefs. The first birds, such as Archaeopteryx, evolved from small theropod dinosaurs, while early mammals remained small and nocturnal. Lush forests of cycads, conifers, and ferns covered the land, providing food for giant herbivores. The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea accelerated, shaping Earth's geography and setting the stage for the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

Related products