Grammoceras thouarense Ammonite Fossil | Upper Toarcian, Jurassic | Saltwick Bay Yorkshire UK | Alice Purnell Collection

Description

Fossil Type & Species:

This listing features a genuine ammonite fossil of Grammoceras thouarense, a fine representative of the ammonite faunas from the Upper Toarcian Stage of the Lower Jurassic Period. This beautiful specimen was collected from the classic marine locality of Saltwick Bay, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, and is part of the Alice Purnell Collection, known for its scientifically important and aesthetically appealing British fossils.

Geological Formation & Insight:

Grammoceras thouarense is a member of the Grammoceratidae family, characterised by its elegant, flattened discoidal shell, finely ribbed ornamentation, and open umbilicus. These ammonites are widely used as biostratigraphic markers for the thouarense Subzone within the Upper Toarcian and are important for correlating strata across Europe.

This fossil originates from the Upper Toarcian (~180 million years ago) marine sediments of the Whitby Mudstone Formation, laid down during a time when rising sea levels and widespread marine transgressions covered much of present-day northern England. The fine-grained silts and mudstones of this formation allowed for exceptional fossil preservation.

Saltwick Bay, located just east of Whitby on the famous Jurassic Coast of North Yorkshire, is a prolific site for fossil collectors and geologists alike. The area produces superbly preserved ammonites, often exhibiting striking detail in their ribbing and whorl structures, particularly in genera like Grammoceras.

Item Specifics:

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Grammoceras thouarense
• Geological Age: Upper Toarcian, Lower Jurassic (~180 million years ago)
• Formation: Whitby Mudstone Formation
• Locality: Saltwick Bay, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
• Provenance: From the Alice Purnell Collection
• Preservation: Excellent – with finely ribbed shell and natural matrix contrast
• Colour: Natural grey-brown fossil in matrix
• Size: See photo – scale rule/cube = 1cm
• Condition: 100% natural with no restoration
• Specimen: The exact fossil in the photos is the one you will receive

Authenticity Guarantee:

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This ammonite is professionally sourced and part of the Alice Purnell Collection, guaranteeing scientific value, authenticity, and provenance.

Shipping & Packaging:

Your fossil will be securely packed and shipped with full tracking. A perfect specimen for fossil collectors, students, museums, or anyone with a passion for Earth’s prehistoric past.

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