Harpoceras Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Coast Eype Dorset UK – Genuine Upper Toarcian Jurassic Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Description

Authentic Harpoceras Fossil Ammonite from the Jurassic Coast, Dorset

This exceptional Harpoceras Fossil Ammonite originates from the Upper Toarcian Stage of the Jurassic Period, discovered in the world-famous Eype area near Bridport, Dorset, United Kingdom. Unearthed by our skilled field collectors Alister and Alison on 03 May 2025, this specimen has been expertly cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to preserve every intricate detail. Dating to approximately 174–182 million years ago, this ammonite represents one of the most elegant and scientifically important fossils from the Toarcian seas that once covered southern England. Each curve and rib on this shell tells a story of ancient marine life during one of the most dynamic periods in Earth’s geological history.

Geological and Scientific Context

Harpoceras belongs to the family Hildoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea and the order Ammonitida, a lineage of extinct cephalopods related to modern squids and cuttlefish. It lived during the Toarcian Stage of the Lower Jurassic, a time marked by global oceanic changes and widespread marine faunal diversification. The genus Harpoceras is well-known for its distinct morphology and serves as an important index fossil for dating Upper Toarcian strata.

The ammonites of this group are often used to define the Harpoceras falciferum Biozone, which is a key reference level for Jurassic stratigraphy across Europe. The beds at Eype and nearby Charmouth are part of the Bridport Sand Formation, representing marine deposits that formed in a shallow sea environment. Fine-grained sediments gently buried ammonites on the sea floor, leading to their remarkable preservation. These deposits also record evidence of the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, a period when low oxygen levels in the oceans enhanced the fossilisation of marine organisms like Harpoceras.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

Harpoceras is easily recognised by its thin, compressed shell, featuring a narrow, discoidal form with strong ribbing and a sharp keel along the venter (outer edge). The ribs sweep gracefully forward, giving the fossil a visually striking appearance that makes it one of the most sought-after ammonite types among collectors. The whorls are involute, meaning that each new coil tightly envelops the previous one, creating an elegant, streamlined profile perfectly adapted to active swimming in open waters.

This specimen exhibits excellent preservation of the ribs and suture lines, with the matrix and shell colour offering a natural contrast that highlights every feature. Its morphology indicates that Harpoceras was a nektonic predator, using jet propulsion to navigate the Toarcian seas, feeding on smaller marine organisms and planktonic crustaceans. The narrow, keeled shape would have reduced drag, allowing efficient movement through the water—an advanced adaptation within early ammonites.

Geological Age and Depositional Environment

The Upper Toarcian Stage dates to roughly 178 million years ago, a time when the seas around what is now Dorset were part of a warm, tropical marine ecosystem. The sediments at Eype consist primarily of fine-grained, silty mudstones and sandy marls, deposited in a low-energy, offshore marine setting. These conditions, combined with occasional oxygen depletion, helped preserve fossils in exceptional detail.

Fossils from this region are world-renowned, forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, which provides a continuous geological record spanning 185 million years. The ammonites found here, including Harpoceras, are of immense scientific and historical importance, helping to establish the early understanding of geological time and evolution.

Preparation and Provenance

This specimen was discovered and prepared by our own team, ensuring authenticity and quality from field to display. Alison’s meticulous preparation work has revealed the ammonite’s delicate ribbing, fine texture, and overall natural beauty, while preserving the fossil’s integrity for long-term stability. Every fossil we sell is 100% genuine and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its identification, origin, and geological context.

The fossil’s fine detail and natural preservation make it not only scientifically significant but also a superb display piece for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history.

Size and Presentation

Scale cube = 1 cm. Please refer to the product photographs for full sizing details. The images show the exact specimen you will receive—not a stock image. The ammonite sits beautifully within its natural matrix, with strong visual contrast that enhances its ribbed whorls and defined keel. Its compact, symmetrical shape makes it ideal for display as a collector’s centrepiece or a striking example of Dorset’s Jurassic heritage.

A Collector’s Specimen from the Heart of the Jurassic Coast

This Harpoceras Fossil Ammonite from Eype, Dorset, represents one of the most iconic fossils of the British Jurassic Coast. Combining aesthetic appeal with geological significance, it embodies both natural artistry and scientific history—an authentic piece of ancient life, expertly prepared and preserved for future generations to appreciate.