Harpoceras Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Whitby UK Genuine Specimen Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil – Harpoceras

This listing is for a genuine Harpoceras Fossil Ammonite, collected from the world-renowned Jurassic coast at Runswick Bay, Whitby, United Kingdom. This remarkable specimen dates to the Middle Lias (Lower Jurassic), approximately 180 million years old, and is an exceptional example of one of Whitby’s most iconic ammonites. Carefully chosen for its preservation and display quality, this fossil represents an authentic piece of geological history and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Locality

This specimen originates from the Jurassic Period, specifically the Middle Lias, Lower Jurassic, within the Toarcian stage. The fossil-bearing deposits along the Whitby coastline, including Runswick Bay, are internationally famous for their exceptional preservation of ammonites, belemnites, marine reptiles, and other ancient sea life. These strata formed in a shallow marine basin where fine muds and silts quickly buried organisms, creating the perfect conditions for fossilisation. Today, the ammonites of Whitby remain some of the most sought-after fossils in the world, both for collectors and for their scientific importance.

Fossil Type and Species

This specimen represents the genus Harpoceras, belonging to the family Hildoceratidae, superfamily Hildoceratoidea, and order Ammonitida. Ammonites were marine cephalopods related to modern squids and octopuses, with coiled shells that acted as both protective armour and buoyancy chambers. Harpoceras is one of the most distinctive ammonite genera from the Whitby region, easily recognised by its compressed shell and strong ribbing. These fossils are not only visually striking but also of great paleontological value, often serving as key indicators for Jurassic stratigraphy.

Morphological Features and Distinctive Traits

The shell of Harpoceras exhibits several notable characteristics:

• Narrow, compressed whorls, giving the shell a more streamlined appearance than many other ammonites.
• Strong ribbing, radiating across the flanks and curving towards the aperture.
• Prominent keel along the outer whorl, a distinctive feature of Harpoceras species.
• Planispiral coiling, with the whorls tightly coiled in a flat spiral form.

These features make Harpoceras one of the most recognisable ammonites of the Whitby region and a prized fossil for both collectors and researchers.

Biozone and Scientific Importance

Harpoceras is a highly important genus in Jurassic paleontology, forming the basis of several stratigraphic biozones within the Toarcian stage. Its distinctive morphology and widespread distribution across Europe have made it a reliable index fossil, helping geologists date and correlate Jurassic marine deposits. Collectors who acquire Harpoceras specimens are not only obtaining a beautiful fossil but also a piece of scientific history used in defining Jurassic time intervals.

Depositional Environment

During the Early Jurassic, Whitby was submerged beneath a shallow epicontinental sea. The low-oxygen conditions in parts of the basin allowed for exceptional preservation of marine organisms. Ammonites like Harpoceras thrived in these waters, and after death, their shells settled into fine sediments. Over millions of years, these sediments hardened into rock, locking away fossils in remarkable detail. Many Whitby ammonites are found within natural concretions, which split to reveal the fossil inside.

Historical and Collecting Significance

Fossils from Whitby have long been celebrated by scientists and collectors alike. During the Victorian era, Whitby ammonites were highly prized in natural history collections and even used in jewellery and decorative arts. Today, Harpoceras fossils continue to be sought after due to their rarity, scientific importance, and striking appearance. They are especially valued for their role in defining the Harpoceras Biozone, a key subdivision of the Jurassic stratigraphic scale.

Authenticity and Presentation

• 100% Genuine Fossil Specimen
• Genus: Harpoceras
• Age: Jurassic, Middle Lias, approx. 180 million years old
• Location: Runswick Bay, Whitby, United Kingdom
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Scale cube in photographs = 1 cm for accurate sizing
• The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive

This exceptional Harpoceras ammonite fossil is a rare and scientifically significant piece of Whitby’s geological heritage. A superb addition to any fossil collection, it represents both the beauty and the history of Britain’s Jurassic seas.