Description
Rare Crucilobiceras crucilobatum Fossil from Whitby, United Kingdom
This listing offers a beautifully preserved Crucilobiceras crucilobatum fossil ammonite, dating to the Upper Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic (approximately 196–190 million years ago). Found in the famous fossil beds of Whitby, North Yorkshire, this specimen represents one of the classic ammonite forms from Britain’s Jurassic coast. It is a carefully selected example, photographed to show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for size reference.
Geological Context
The Sinemurian stage forms part of the Lower Jurassic, a time when the shallow seas of what is now northern England teemed with life. The Whitby area is renowned for its marine deposits, which have yielded a wide variety of ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles. Fossils from this region provide critical insights into the evolution of ammonites and the marine ecosystems of the Early Jurassic. Within this stage, Crucilobiceras crucilobatum is an important species, frequently associated with the raricostatum biozone, making it a valuable index fossil for dating and correlating Sinemurian strata.
Classification and Taxonomy
This ammonite belongs to the class Cephalopoda, order Ammonitida, and family Echioceratidae. The genus Crucilobiceras is known for its distinctive ribbing and suture patterns, which make it readily recognisable among collectors and paleontologists alike. Crucilobiceras crucilobatum stands out for its particular morphology, contributing to its significance both scientifically and aesthetically.
Morphological Features
The shell of Crucilobiceras crucilobatum is typically evolute, with all the whorls visible from the side. Its ribbing is strong and regular, crossing the flanks and reaching the outer edge of the shell in a characteristic cruciform pattern, which inspired the genus name Crucilobiceras. This rib structure provided strength and buoyancy to the living animal, while also giving the fossil a highly ornamental appearance. The sharp detail of these ribs makes the specimen visually striking and an excellent display piece.
Scientific and Collector Importance
As an index fossil of the Upper Sinemurian, Crucilobiceras crucilobatum has great importance in paleontology. Its presence allows scientists to correlate rock layers across different geographic areas, offering a precise tool for geological mapping. For collectors, its rarity and distinctive form make it a prized ammonite fossil, particularly from the Whitby locality, which is internationally recognised for its Jurassic marine fossils.
Provenance and Authenticity
Collected in Whitby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom, this ammonite fossil comes from one of the most renowned Jurassic sites in Europe. Every specimen is hand-picked for quality, and the photographs provided represent the exact fossil you will receive. It comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it as a genuine specimen.
A Piece of Jurassic History
This Crucilobiceras crucilobatum ammonite embodies the ancient seas of the Early Jurassic and carries both scientific value and natural beauty. With its striking ribbing, excellent provenance, and rarity, it makes an ideal addition to a serious fossil collection, a museum display, or as a unique gift for enthusiasts of natural history.
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