Hildoceras bifrons Fossil Ammonite Whitby Jurassic Coast UK Genuine Specimen with COA

Description

Authentic Hildoceras bifrons Fossil Ammonite from Whitby, UK

This striking Hildoceras bifrons fossil ammonite comes from the Middle Lias deposits of Runswick Bay, near Whitby on the famous Jurassic Coast of North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. The ammonite is a genuine, naturally preserved specimen, with clear morphological detail showcasing the ribbing and coiling characteristic of this important species. The fossil pictured is the exact piece you will receive, photographed with a 1 cm scale cube for reference. Every specimen is carefully selected for quality and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its scientific and collector value.

Geological Setting – Middle Lias, Jurassic Period

This ammonite was preserved within the Middle Lias strata, deposited during the Lower Jurassic period, approximately 183 million years ago. The Whitby area, including Runswick Bay, is world-renowned for its rich Jurassic fossil beds, where the shales and limestones of the Lias have yielded spectacular ammonites, marine reptiles, belemnites, and other fossilised marine life. These deposits represent an ancient seafloor, once covered by shallow, warm seas that supported a diverse marine ecosystem.

Fossil Type and Classification

Hildoceras bifrons belongs to the family Hildoceratidae, within the order Ammonitida and subclass Ammonoidea. These ammonites are characterised by their finely ribbed, planispiral shells, which often exhibit a compressed form with ribs that curve elegantly across the whorls. This species is one of the most recognisable ammonites from the Whitby Lias and is an important index fossil, widely used by geologists and palaeontologists to identify and correlate Middle Jurassic rock layers across Europe.

Morphology and Notable Traits

The shell of Hildoceras bifrons typically displays strong ribbing that bifurcates as it crosses the flanks of the whorl, creating a distinctive and attractive pattern. The venter (outer edge of the coil) is usually keeled, enhancing hydrodynamic efficiency as the ammonite swam through Jurassic seas. The chambered shell provided buoyancy control, much like the living nautilus today. Well-preserved examples, such as this specimen, allow collectors to study these unique structural adaptations in detail.

Depositional Environment and Preservation

The Whitby Lias shales, where this specimen was found, are composed of fine-grained sediment deposited in calm, low-energy marine environments. When ammonites died, their shells settled to the seabed and were quickly buried under layers of sediment. Over millions of years, mineralisation preserved the shells in remarkable detail. The area’s rich geological heritage, coupled with the abundance of ammonites, has made Whitby one of the most celebrated fossil-hunting locations in the world.

Scientific and Collector Importance

The Hildoceras bifrons is not only a beautiful fossil but also a key biostratigraphic marker for the Toarcian Stage of the Jurassic. Its wide geographic distribution and relatively short evolutionary timespan make it invaluable for dating Jurassic rocks and studying ancient marine environments. For collectors, owning a specimen from the historic Whitby fossil beds is a chance to hold a tangible piece of Earth’s 183-million-year-old history.

Guaranteed Authenticity

This fossil is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen in the photographs is the exact ammonite you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and peace of mind. Carefully chosen and well-preserved, this Hildoceras bifrons ammonite from Runswick Bay, Whitby, is an excellent addition to any fossil collection, a fascinating natural history display piece, and a timeless reminder of the Jurassic seas that once covered Britain.