Harpoceras Fossil Ammonite Cluster Whitby Jurassic Lower Toarcian Genuine Specimen COA

Description

Harpoceras Fossil Ammonite Cluster – Lower Toarcian, Jurassic, Whitby, Yorkshire, UK

This beautiful Harpoceras fossil ammonite cluster comes from the famous Whitby coastline of North Yorkshire, a region celebrated for producing some of the most iconic Jurassic ammonites in the world. Formed during the Lower Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic, these ammonites represent an era approximately 183 million years old, when the Yorkshire coast lay beneath warm, shallow seas rich in marine life. This carefully selected specimen features multiple Harpoceras ammonites preserved together in their original matrix, offering both scientific interest and impressive natural display quality. The fossil photographed is the exact specimen you will receive, and like all our specimens, it is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Background – The Lower Toarcian of the Whitby Coast

Whitby is world-renowned for its Toarcian-aged fossils, preserved within the Whitby Mudstone Formation. During the Early Jurassic, this part of northern England formed a marine basin characterised by low-oxygen bottom waters. These conditions allowed organic material and marine organisms to accumulate and become rapidly buried, creating exceptional fossil preservation.

The Lower Toarcian stage includes several well-known ammonite biozones, with Harpoceras species often associated with the Harpoceras falciferum zone. The fine-grained mudstones and shales found along the Whitby coast are particularly well-suited to preserving ammonites, resulting in specimens with well-defined ribbing, distinctive whorl structures, and beautiful natural mineralisation.

The periodic anoxic events that occurred during Toarcian times are of major scientific significance, offering insights into global climate change, ocean chemistry, and mass extinction patterns. Fossils from Whitby play an important role in these ongoing studies, providing a crucial record of early Jurassic life.

Scientific Notes on Harpoceras

Harpoceras is a genus within the family Hildoceratidae, superfamily Hildoceratoidea, and order Ammonitida. These ammonites are easily recognised by their characteristic falcate ribbing, compressed whorls, and fast-growing shell morphology. Their streamlined shape suggests an agile nektonic lifestyle, swimming through the Jurassic seas in search of prey.

Clusters such as this one occur when multiple ammonites were buried together during sedimentary events or accumulated naturally on the seafloor. Their tight arrangement and shared depositional context make such pieces particularly appealing to collectors. The fine preservation of Harpoceras often reveals intricate rib patterns, subtle suture lines, and natural contrasts formed by mineral replacement over millions of years.

Depositional Setting and Natural Preservation

The Whitby Mudstone Formation is composed of dark shale and mudstone that formed in low-energy environments. These sediments settled slowly, allowing dead marine animals—including ammonites—to become encapsulated before scavengers could disturb them. The reducing environmental conditions also prevented decay and promoted the development of the distinctive pyritisation and mineral infill often seen in Whitby ammonites.

The presence of multiple ammonites on one slab adds depth, interest, and geological storytelling to the piece. Each shell reflects an ancient moment of life in the Jurassic ocean, preserved as part of a wider marine ecosystem now locked in stone.

A Premium Collector’s Ammonite Cluster

This Harpoceras ammonite cluster is a striking and scientifically meaningful piece ideal for collectors, educators, interior decorators, or anyone fascinated by the natural world. Its origin from Whitby—one of the most famous fossil locations on the planet—adds provenance and desirability. The aesthetic arrangement of the cluster provides a natural display feature that highlights the elegance of ammonite shell geometry.

Please refer to the photographs for full sizing details. The fossil shown is the exact item you will receive, chosen for its beauty, preservation, and character. Every specimen we offer is a 100% genuine fossil and includes a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring confidence in both its provenance and scientific integrity.