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Fossil Ammonite Oppelia fallax Bajocian Jurassic Oborne Wood Sherborne Dorset UK with Certificate of Authenticity

Fossil Ammonite Oppelia fallax Bajocian Jurassic Oborne Wood Sherborne Dorset UK with Certificate of Authenticity

£60.00

This listing presents a Fossil Ammonite, Oppelia fallax, from the Bajocian stage of the Middle Jurassic Period, approximately 170–168 million years old. Sourced from the historic fossil-rich beds of Oborne Wood, near Sherborne, Dorset, United Kingdom, this specimen is an excellent example of a scientifically significant ammonite species. The region of Dorset is world-renowned for its Jurassic deposits, and this ammonite represents both a fascinating piece of natural history and an attractive fossil for display or study.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The exact specimen in the photographs is the one you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares shown for accurate size reference.

Geological Context and Age

This ammonite was preserved in deposits from the Bajocian stage, part of the Middle Jurassic, dating back around 170 million years. At this time, southern England, including Dorset, was covered by warm shallow seas connected to the larger Tethys Ocean. These seas supported diverse marine faunas including ammonites, belemnites, brachiopods, and marine reptiles.

The strata of Oborne Wood, Sherborne, are particularly important to Jurassic palaeontology. They contain richly fossiliferous layers that have provided key insights into the diversity and distribution of Bajocian ammonites. Ammonites such as Oppelia fallax are considered excellent index fossils, allowing geologists to identify and correlate rock layers across Europe.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

Oppelia fallax belongs to the family Oppeliidae, within the superfamily Haploceratoidea of the order Ammonitida. The genus is characterised by its discoidal, compressed shells with smooth or finely striated flanks and strongly involute coiling that conceals the earlier whorls. The venter (outer margin) is typically narrow and rounded, with sutures that are moderately complex.

This specimen displays the diagnostic traits of Oppelia fallax, with its elegant discoidal form and smooth shell flanks. The overall streamlined morphology indicates that it was a nektonic predator, moving actively through the water column and preying on smaller marine organisms. Its form suggests it was well-adapted to open marine environments, where hydrodynamic efficiency was essential.

Scientific Importance

Ammonites such as Oppelia fallax are of great value to science due to their importance in biostratigraphy. Their rapid evolutionary turnover and widespread distribution make them essential markers for defining Bajocian biozones. Fossils like this one from Dorset contribute to refining the Jurassic timescale and help reconstruct the palaeoenvironments of the Middle Jurassic seas.

The preservation of Oppelia fallax in Oborne Wood also reflects the exceptional fossil record of Dorset, a county famous for its Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. This makes specimens from the region particularly sought after for collections.

Collector and Display Value

This Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil from Oborne Wood, Dorset, is not only scientifically important but also highly aesthetic. Its elegant form and historical provenance from one of England’s premier Jurassic fossil sites make it a desirable piece for collectors, educators, and museums.

Its smooth, compressed shell and streamlined coiling make it a beautiful natural display item, while its geological and stratigraphic significance ensures it is valued as more than just a decorative fossil. For collectors of British fossils or ammonites specifically, this specimen represents a key addition.

Your Guarantee of Authenticity

  • 100% genuine Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil from Oborne Wood, Sherborne, Dorset, United Kingdom
  • Geological age: Bajocian stage, Middle Jurassic (approx. 170–168 million years old)
  • Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Exact specimen shown in the photographs (no stock images used)
  • Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm (see photos for accurate sizing)

This Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil is a scientifically significant and beautifully preserved specimen from Dorset’s Bajocian deposits. With its provenance, authenticity, and elegant form, it makes an exceptional addition to any fossil collection.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: UF5081 Category:

Description

This listing presents a Fossil Ammonite, Oppelia fallax, from the Bajocian stage of the Middle Jurassic Period, approximately 170–168 million years old. Sourced from the historic fossil-rich beds of Oborne Wood, near Sherborne, Dorset, United Kingdom, this specimen is an excellent example of a scientifically significant ammonite species. The region of Dorset is world-renowned for its Jurassic deposits, and this ammonite represents both a fascinating piece of natural history and an attractive fossil for display or study.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The exact specimen in the photographs is the one you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares shown for accurate size reference.

Geological Context and Age

This ammonite was preserved in deposits from the Bajocian stage, part of the Middle Jurassic, dating back around 170 million years. At this time, southern England, including Dorset, was covered by warm shallow seas connected to the larger Tethys Ocean. These seas supported diverse marine faunas including ammonites, belemnites, brachiopods, and marine reptiles.

The strata of Oborne Wood, Sherborne, are particularly important to Jurassic palaeontology. They contain richly fossiliferous layers that have provided key insights into the diversity and distribution of Bajocian ammonites. Ammonites such as Oppelia fallax are considered excellent index fossils, allowing geologists to identify and correlate rock layers across Europe.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

Oppelia fallax belongs to the family Oppeliidae, within the superfamily Haploceratoidea of the order Ammonitida. The genus is characterised by its discoidal, compressed shells with smooth or finely striated flanks and strongly involute coiling that conceals the earlier whorls. The venter (outer margin) is typically narrow and rounded, with sutures that are moderately complex.

This specimen displays the diagnostic traits of Oppelia fallax, with its elegant discoidal form and smooth shell flanks. The overall streamlined morphology indicates that it was a nektonic predator, moving actively through the water column and preying on smaller marine organisms. Its form suggests it was well-adapted to open marine environments, where hydrodynamic efficiency was essential.

Scientific Importance

Ammonites such as Oppelia fallax are of great value to science due to their importance in biostratigraphy. Their rapid evolutionary turnover and widespread distribution make them essential markers for defining Bajocian biozones. Fossils like this one from Dorset contribute to refining the Jurassic timescale and help reconstruct the palaeoenvironments of the Middle Jurassic seas.

The preservation of Oppelia fallax in Oborne Wood also reflects the exceptional fossil record of Dorset, a county famous for its Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. This makes specimens from the region particularly sought after for collections.

Collector and Display Value

This Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil from Oborne Wood, Dorset, is not only scientifically important but also highly aesthetic. Its elegant form and historical provenance from one of England’s premier Jurassic fossil sites make it a desirable piece for collectors, educators, and museums.

Its smooth, compressed shell and streamlined coiling make it a beautiful natural display item, while its geological and stratigraphic significance ensures it is valued as more than just a decorative fossil. For collectors of British fossils or ammonites specifically, this specimen represents a key addition.

Your Guarantee of Authenticity

  • 100% genuine Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil from Oborne Wood, Sherborne, Dorset, United Kingdom
  • Geological age: Bajocian stage, Middle Jurassic (approx. 170–168 million years old)
  • Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Exact specimen shown in the photographs (no stock images used)
  • Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm (see photos for accurate sizing)

This Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil is a scientifically significant and beautifully preserved specimen from Dorset’s Bajocian deposits. With its provenance, authenticity, and elegant form, it makes an exceptional addition to any fossil collection.

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