Description
Rare Golden Pyrite Cheltonia accipitris Fossil
This listing features a Golden Pyrite Fossil Ammonite of Cheltonia accipitris, discovered at Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, United Kingdom, and dating to the Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 199–190 million years ago. The specimen has been beautifully preserved and naturally mineralised with golden pyrite, giving it a striking metallic sheen that highlights its shell structure in exquisite detail. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate size reference. Every piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it is a 100% genuine specimen.
Geological Context
The Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic is renowned for its diverse and abundant ammonite fauna. Formed during a period of warm, shallow seas, the region around Bishops Cleeve in Gloucestershire is part of the Lower Lias Formation, a world-famous sequence of Jurassic marine deposits. These rocks have yielded countless well-preserved ammonites, including the distinctive Cheltonia accipitris, which serves as an important marker for biostratigraphic studies.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
- Family: Hildoceratidae
- Genus: Cheltonia
- Species: Cheltonia accipitris
Morphological Features
Cheltonia accipitris is an elegant ammonite, characterised by its evolute shell structure, with open coiling that reveals the inner whorls. The ribs are fine, gently curved, and evenly spaced, giving the shell a balanced and symmetrical appearance. The golden pyrite mineralisation enhances these delicate ribbing patterns, turning the fossil into both a scientifically significant specimen and a striking natural display piece.
Pyritisation Process
The remarkable golden colour of this ammonite is due to a process known as pyritisation, where iron sulphide minerals (pyrite) replaced the original shell material during fossilisation. This occurred in oxygen-poor marine environments, where decaying organic matter and iron-rich sediments allowed pyrite crystals to grow within the shell. As a result, the fossil retains its natural detail while being transformed into a visually stunning specimen with metallic lustre.
Paleoecology and Life Habits
Ammonites such as Cheltonia accipitris were nektonic predators, actively swimming in the open seas and preying upon small crustaceans, mollusks, and plankton. Their coiled shells provided buoyancy and protection, while their tentacles and beak-like jaws enabled efficient hunting. Living during the Early Jurassic, these creatures thrived in ecosystems that also supported marine reptiles, belemnites, and diverse invertebrate faunas.
Scientific and Collectible Value
Cheltonia accipitris is a fossil of both scientific and aesthetic importance. Its presence within Sinemurian deposits contributes to the accurate dating of strata and helps reconstruct the evolution of Early Jurassic marine environments. For collectors, the combination of rare species, excellent preservation, and stunning pyrite replacement makes this specimen highly desirable. Its golden hue makes it equally suitable as a centrepiece in a fossil collection or a natural history display.
Provenance and Authenticity
Collected from Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, this ammonite comes from one of the classic British localities for Lower Lias ammonites. With a secure provenance and a Certificate of Authenticity, this specimen is guaranteed as a genuine fossil, not a reproduction or restoration.
A Rare Opportunity for Collectors
This Golden Pyrite Cheltonia accipitris ammonite combines scientific significance with natural beauty. Its well-defined ribbing, metallic sheen, and historic locality make it a rare and highly sought-after specimen, offering collectors the opportunity to own a true piece of Jurassic heritage.
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