Gargassiceras gargasense Ammonite Fossil Hauterivian Cretaceous Speeton UK Genuine Certified

Description

Genuine Gargassiceras gargasense Ammonite Fossil from Speeton, UK

This authentic Gargassiceras gargasense ammonite fossil originates from the Speeton Clay Formation of Yorkshire, United Kingdom, and dates to the Hauterivian stage of the Early Cretaceous (approximately 132–129 million years ago). The specimen represents an important ammonite species within the family Olcostephanidae and provides both collectors and researchers with insight into the marine life and stratigraphy of northern Europe during the Early Cretaceous. Each fossil we supply is a carefully chosen specimen, guaranteed to be 100% genuine, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing.

Geological Background – Speeton Clay Formation

The Speeton Clay Formation is one of Britain’s most significant Lower Cretaceous fossil localities, well known for its rich ammonite fauna. Deposited in a marine shelf environment, the fine-grained clays accumulated in relatively deep waters where conditions allowed for the excellent preservation of shells. The formation spans several Cretaceous stages, but the Hauterivian layers, from which this ammonite comes, are particularly important in international biostratigraphy. These deposits record fluctuating sea levels, variable sedimentation rates, and diverse faunal assemblages that document an evolving Early Cretaceous ecosystem.

Scientific Classification

• Class: Cephalopoda
• Subclass: Ammonoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Family: Olcostephanidae
• Genus: Gargassiceras
• Species: Gargassiceras gargasense

This ammonite species is an index fossil within the Hauterivian, used by geologists to correlate rock layers across different parts of Europe. The identification of this genus and species contributes to precise stratigraphic dating, making it highly valuable in the field of paleontology.

Morphological Features of Gargassiceras gargasense

The shells of Gargassiceras gargasense are typically evolute to moderately involute, with whorls that are distinctly ribbed. The ribs are sharp and well defined, often branching towards the outer whorl and curving across the venter. These features give the ammonite a robust and detailed appearance, easily recognisable within the Olcostephanidae family. The suture lines are complex, consistent with ammonites of this group, and provide further evidence of the species’ evolutionary lineage. Such morphological details make this specimen a valuable addition to both scientific study and private collections.

Depositional Environment and Paleoecology

During the Hauterivian stage, northern Europe, including what is now Yorkshire, was covered by a broad epicontinental sea. Ammonites like Gargassiceras were active swimmers, using jet propulsion to navigate the open water in search of prey such as planktonic crustaceans and small molluscs. Their shells not only provided buoyancy but also protection against predators like marine reptiles and large fish. When these ammonites died, their shells settled into the soft, fine sediments of the Speeton Clay, where rapid burial and low-oxygen conditions helped preserve them in remarkable detail.

Collector and Display Significance

Owning a Gargassiceras gargasense ammonite fossil means holding a genuine piece of Early Cretaceous history. Fossils from the Speeton Clay are sought after by collectors worldwide, both for their rarity and for their well-documented stratigraphic importance. This specimen represents a direct connection to ancient marine ecosystems that thrived over 130 million years ago. Its sharp ribbing and classic ammonite form make it a superb display fossil, whether in a private collection, an educational setting, or as a natural history feature in a home or office.

This carefully selected ammonite fossil is guaranteed authentic and original, and it embodies both the beauty of natural history and the scientific importance of stratigraphic index species. With its provenance from one of the UK’s most renowned Lower Cretaceous fossil sites, it is an exceptional specimen that captures the fascination of deep geological time.