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.

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Fossil Ammonite Oppelia fallax Jurassic Inferior Oolite Burton Bradstock Dorset UK with Certificate of Authenticity

Fossil Ammonite Oppelia fallax Jurassic Inferior Oolite Burton Bradstock Dorset UK with Certificate of Authenticity

£12.60

This listing offers a fine Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil, originating from the Inferior Oolite deposits of the Jurassic Coast, approximately 170–168 million years old. Collected at Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom, this specimen represents an excellent and scientifically significant example of a Jurassic ammonite. Its provenance from one of the most famous fossil regions in the world enhances its rarity and value for collectors, educators, and museums.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares included for accurate sizing.

Geological Context and Age

This ammonite comes from the Inferior Oolite Formation, part of the Bajocian stage of the Middle Jurassic, dating back around 170 million years. The Inferior Oolite is a marine limestone sequence that outcrops extensively along the Dorset coast, which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast.

During the Bajocian, much of southern England was submerged beneath warm shallow seas, part of the extensive Tethys Ocean system. These seas provided an environment rich in life, where ammonites thrived alongside belemnites, marine reptiles, bivalves, and brachiopods. Fossils from Burton Bradstock are particularly well preserved, making them valuable for both scientific study and private collections.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

Oppelia fallax belongs to the family Oppeliidae, within the superfamily Haploceratoidea of the order Ammonitida. This genus is characterised by its discoidal, compressed shells with strongly involute coiling that hides most of the earlier whorls. The flanks are typically smooth or lightly striated, while the venter is narrow and rounded. Sutures are moderately complex, providing diagnostic features for identification.

This specimen exhibits the streamlined discoidal form and fine symmetry typical of Oppelia fallax. The compressed shell morphology reflects a nektonic lifestyle, with this ammonite adapted for active swimming in open water. Its elegant form suggests it was a fast-moving predator, hunting small crustaceans and fish in the Jurassic seas.

Scientific Importance

Ammonites such as Oppelia fallax are highly valued in biostratigraphy due to their restricted stratigraphic ranges and widespread distribution. This makes them excellent index fossils, enabling geologists to identify and correlate Bajocian-aged rock layers across Europe and beyond.

Specimens from the Inferior Oolite are particularly significant as they provide detailed insights into the biodiversity of Middle Jurassic marine ecosystems. Dorset’s Jurassic Coast has been studied since the early 19th century, and ammonites from Burton Bradstock continue to contribute to scientific research in palaeontology and stratigraphy.

Collector and Display Value

This Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil from Burton Bradstock is not only scientifically important but also visually striking. Its smooth, compressed form and excellent preservation make it an attractive specimen for display. Fossils from this locality are highly sought after due to their provenance and the geological prestige of the Jurassic Coast.

For collectors of ammonites, British fossils, or Jurassic material, this specimen represents a superb addition. It is equally suited for use in teaching collections, where it can illustrate the morphology and importance of ammonites within Jurassic stratigraphy.

Your Guarantee of Authenticity

  • 100% genuine Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil from Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom
  • Geological age: Bajocian stage, Middle Jurassic (approx. 170–168 million years old)
  • From the Inferior Oolite Formation, Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Exact specimen shown in the photographs (not a stock image)
  • Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm (see images for accurate sizing)

This Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil is a scientifically significant and beautifully preserved specimen from Dorset’s Inferior Oolite deposits. With its elegant form, guaranteed authenticity, and provenance from the Jurassic Coast, it is an outstanding addition to any fossil collection.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: UF5083 Category:

Description

This listing offers a fine Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil, originating from the Inferior Oolite deposits of the Jurassic Coast, approximately 170–168 million years old. Collected at Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom, this specimen represents an excellent and scientifically significant example of a Jurassic ammonite. Its provenance from one of the most famous fossil regions in the world enhances its rarity and value for collectors, educators, and museums.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares included for accurate sizing.

Geological Context and Age

This ammonite comes from the Inferior Oolite Formation, part of the Bajocian stage of the Middle Jurassic, dating back around 170 million years. The Inferior Oolite is a marine limestone sequence that outcrops extensively along the Dorset coast, which forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast.

During the Bajocian, much of southern England was submerged beneath warm shallow seas, part of the extensive Tethys Ocean system. These seas provided an environment rich in life, where ammonites thrived alongside belemnites, marine reptiles, bivalves, and brachiopods. Fossils from Burton Bradstock are particularly well preserved, making them valuable for both scientific study and private collections.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

Oppelia fallax belongs to the family Oppeliidae, within the superfamily Haploceratoidea of the order Ammonitida. This genus is characterised by its discoidal, compressed shells with strongly involute coiling that hides most of the earlier whorls. The flanks are typically smooth or lightly striated, while the venter is narrow and rounded. Sutures are moderately complex, providing diagnostic features for identification.

This specimen exhibits the streamlined discoidal form and fine symmetry typical of Oppelia fallax. The compressed shell morphology reflects a nektonic lifestyle, with this ammonite adapted for active swimming in open water. Its elegant form suggests it was a fast-moving predator, hunting small crustaceans and fish in the Jurassic seas.

Scientific Importance

Ammonites such as Oppelia fallax are highly valued in biostratigraphy due to their restricted stratigraphic ranges and widespread distribution. This makes them excellent index fossils, enabling geologists to identify and correlate Bajocian-aged rock layers across Europe and beyond.

Specimens from the Inferior Oolite are particularly significant as they provide detailed insights into the biodiversity of Middle Jurassic marine ecosystems. Dorset’s Jurassic Coast has been studied since the early 19th century, and ammonites from Burton Bradstock continue to contribute to scientific research in palaeontology and stratigraphy.

Collector and Display Value

This Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil from Burton Bradstock is not only scientifically important but also visually striking. Its smooth, compressed form and excellent preservation make it an attractive specimen for display. Fossils from this locality are highly sought after due to their provenance and the geological prestige of the Jurassic Coast.

For collectors of ammonites, British fossils, or Jurassic material, this specimen represents a superb addition. It is equally suited for use in teaching collections, where it can illustrate the morphology and importance of ammonites within Jurassic stratigraphy.

Your Guarantee of Authenticity

  • 100% genuine Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil from Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom
  • Geological age: Bajocian stage, Middle Jurassic (approx. 170–168 million years old)
  • From the Inferior Oolite Formation, Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • Exact specimen shown in the photographs (not a stock image)
  • Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm (see images for accurate sizing)

This Oppelia fallax ammonite fossil is a scientifically significant and beautifully preserved specimen from Dorset’s Inferior Oolite deposits. With its elegant form, guaranteed authenticity, and provenance from the Jurassic Coast, it is an outstanding addition to any fossil collection.

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