Description
Genuine Dactylioceras Fossil Ammonite from Whitby, North Yorkshire
An authentic Dactylioceras fossil ammonite from the famous Upper Toarcian Jurassic deposits of Whitby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. This remarkable marine fossil dates to approximately 175–180 million years ago and preserves one of the most iconic ammonite genera found within the world-renowned Jurassic strata of the Yorkshire coast.
This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive. Full sizing please see photo.
Your specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped and treated by Alison to preserve the natural shell detail and integrity of the fossil.
About Dactylioceras
Dactylioceras is an extinct genus of ammonite belonging to the Family Dactylioceratidae within the Order Ammonitida. These marine cephalopods thrived during the Early Jurassic and were close relatives of modern squid, octopus and nautilus.
The genus is especially recognised for its tightly coiled shell and distinctive ribbed ornamentation. Strong bifurcating ribs radiate across the whorls, creating the elegant sculptured appearance that makes Dactylioceras one of the most desirable British ammonites among collectors and palaeontology enthusiasts.
Ammonites such as Dactylioceras were active swimmers inhabiting the warm shallow seas that covered much of Britain during the Jurassic period. They used jet propulsion to move through the water while preying upon smaller marine organisms.
Species of Dactylioceras evolved rapidly and were geographically widespread, making them extremely important index fossils used by geologists to identify and correlate Jurassic rock layers throughout Europe and beyond.
Geological Age and Whitby Formation
This specimen originates from the Upper Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic, recovered from the fossil-rich marine deposits exposed along the Whitby coastline of North Yorkshire.
During the Early Jurassic, Yorkshire lay beneath a warm shallow sea rich in marine life including ammonites, belemnites, fish and marine reptiles. Fine muds accumulated on the sea floor and eventually formed the Whitby Mudstone Formation, one of Britain’s most famous fossil-bearing geological units.
Low oxygen conditions within parts of the seabed helped preserve delicate shells and organic remains in exceptional detail. As a result, Whitby has become internationally recognised for its beautifully preserved ammonites and marine fossils.
The Upper Toarcian deposits are also scientifically important due to evidence of significant marine environmental changes during this interval, making fossils from Whitby highly valued for both collecting and research.
Fossil Preservation and Morphological Detail
This genuine Dactylioceras fossil ammonite has been carefully prepared to reveal the natural shell ornamentation while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding matrix. The specimen may display fine ribbing, detailed whorl structure and natural mineralisation associated with fossilisation in Jurassic marine sediments.
Each fossil from Whitby is unique, with natural variations in preservation, colouration and matrix composition resulting from geological processes acting over millions of years.
No replicas or casts are involved. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive.
The professional preparation by Alison ensures the fossil remains stable and suitable for long-term display, study and collecting.
Whitby Fossils and Collecting Heritage
Whitby has been associated with fossil collecting for centuries and remains one of the most celebrated fossil localities in the United Kingdom. The area has produced exceptional ammonites, marine reptiles and jet fossils that are highly sought after worldwide.
Dactylioceras is among the classic Whitby ammonites and remains one of the most recognisable Jurassic fossils from the Yorkshire coast.
This specimen is ideal for:
- Fossil collectors
- Jurassic fossil collections
- Ammonite collections
- Whitby fossil collections
- Marine fossil enthusiasts
- Educational displays
- Geological study collections
- Natural history collections
Its distinctive ribbed shell and historical geological significance make it a superb display specimen for both beginner and advanced collectors.
Certificate of Authenticity Included
All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and include a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. We personally recover many of our fossils from UK localities and professionally prepare them in-house to ensure authenticity and quality.
The fossil photographed is the exact specimen you will receive, making this a unique and genuine piece of Jurassic marine history from the famous fossil-bearing deposits of Whitby, North Yorkshire, England.
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