Dumortieria cf. levesquei Ammonite Fossil, Lower Jurassic Upper Toarcian UK Rare | Cheltenham Gloucestershire Specimen

Description

Genuine Dumortieria Ammonite Fossil

This carefully selected fossil is a genuine ammonite specimen identified as Dumortieria cf. levesquei. It comes from the Upper Lias of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK, and dates to the Upper Toarcian stage of the Lower Jurassic. The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, allowing you to examine its preservation, natural colour, shape and visible surface detail before purchase. For full dimensions and scale, please refer to the sizing shown in the photographs.

Lower Jurassic Geology

The Upper Toarcian represents the later part of the Toarcian Age, near the close of the Early Jurassic, approximately 174 to 182 million years ago. In Britain, rocks of this interval have traditionally been included within the Upper Lias. The sedimentary successions around Gloucestershire preserve evidence of ancient marine environments that covered much of the region during Jurassic time. Fine sediment accumulated on the sea floor and, under suitable conditions, buried shells and other remains before they were completely destroyed by decay, scavenging or erosion.

Ammonite Species and Identification

Dumortieria is an extinct ammonite genus belonging to the order Ammonitida. Ammonites were marine cephalopods related to living squid, octopus and nautilus, although their coiled, chambered shells formed a distinctive and highly successful adaptation. Dumortieria specimens are important to collectors and palaeontologists because ammonites evolved rapidly and were widely distributed through Jurassic seas. Their changing shell forms help specialists compare rock layers and establish relative geological ages.

The abbreviation cf. means that the specimen compares closely with Dumortieria levesquei while allowing appropriate caution in species-level identification. This is a useful scientific convention where key diagnostic features may be partly obscured, incomplete or affected by preservation. The genus is associated with Upper Toarcian strata and contributes to the detailed biostratigraphic study of late Early Jurassic marine deposits.

Natural Form and Preservation

Ammonite shells were divided internally into chambers. As the animal grew, it occupied the newest outer chamber while earlier chambers helped regulate buoyancy. Fossil examples may preserve portions of the whorled shell, ribbing, impressions, mineral replacement or an internal mould formed after sediment filled the shell. Every fossil is naturally individual, and small surface irregularities, matrix, fractures or areas of wear are part of its geological history rather than manufactured defects. Please use the photographs as the definitive guide to this specimen’s particular preservation and appearance.

Cheltenham Fossil Locality

Cheltenham and the wider Gloucestershire area are well known for Jurassic geology exposed in historic quarries, cuttings and natural outcrops. Fossils from these deposits provide a tangible record of the warm marine ecosystems that existed long before the modern British landscape developed. This Dumortieria ammonite is therefore both an attractive display fossil and an educational specimen representing a precise chapter of Lower Jurassic earth history.

Authenticity and Presentation

You will receive the exact fossil shown in the photographs. It is supplied with a generic Certificate of Authenticity card carrying a lifetime guarantee of authenticity. The specimen is suitable for an established fossil collection, geological study, educational display or as a distinctive natural-history gift. Handle with care and avoid harsh cleaning chemicals, prolonged soaking or sudden temperature changes so its natural surfaces remain protected.