Hildoceras bifrons Fossil Ammonite Whitby UK Middle Lias Jurassic Runswich Bay Genuine Specimen

Description

Authentic Hildoceras bifrons Fossil Ammonite from Whitby

This striking Hildoceras bifrons fossil ammonite is a genuine specimen from the iconic fossil beds of Runswick Bay, Whitby, United Kingdom. Dating back to the Middle Lias of the Jurassic period, this ammonite is approximately 183 million years old. It is a carefully selected piece showing excellent preservation, making it a valuable specimen for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of natural history. The photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive. Each specimen is guaranteed authentic and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Context

The fossil originates from the Middle Lias, belonging to the Lower Jurassic, a time when the region of Whitby was submerged beneath a shallow sea. The sediments deposited in these marine environments preserved countless marine organisms, with ammonites being among the most abundant and scientifically significant. Runswick Bay is world-renowned for its exceptional exposures of Jurassic strata and continues to provide high-quality fossils that shed light on life in these ancient seas.

Taxonomy and Classification

Hildoceras bifrons belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Hildoceratoidea, and family Hildoceratidae. Ammonites were extinct marine molluscs, related to today’s squid, cuttlefish, and octopus, but with external coiled shells divided into chambers. The genus Hildoceras is one of the most recognisable ammonite groups from the Jurassic, noted for its distinct ribbing and elegant coiling. This species plays an important role in Jurassic biostratigraphy and remains highly sought-after by fossil collectors worldwide.

Morphology and Key Features

The shell of Hildoceras bifrons is typically evolute, meaning that all the whorls are visible from the side. It is ornamented with sharp, radiating ribs that extend across the shell and often split as they approach the outer whorl, creating a characteristic appearance. The ribbing not only provides a means of identifying the species but also demonstrates evolutionary adaptations to a life of buoyancy and mobility within the water column. The bifurcating ribs are one of the key diagnostic traits of this species and make it one of the most visually striking ammonites found in the Whitby area.

Biostratigraphy and Index Fossil Significance

Hildoceras bifrons is one of the most important index fossils for the Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic. Index fossils are species that were widespread but only lived for a relatively short period, allowing geologists to use them as markers for dating and correlating rock layers across different regions. The bifrons zone is a globally recognised biozone in the Toarcian sequence, and specimens from Whitby have been studied extensively in geological literature for over a century.

Depositional Environment of Runswick Bay

The environment in which this ammonite lived and was preserved was a shallow epicontinental sea, characterised by fine muds and clays. These sediments accumulated on the sea floor, quickly covering the shells of dead ammonites and protecting them from erosion or scavenging. Over millions of years, compaction and mineralisation preserved the ammonites in exquisite detail. This process has made Whitby one of the most famous fossil-hunting locations in the world, renowned for the quality and abundance of its Jurassic fauna.

Collectors and Display Appeal

This Hildoceras bifrons ammonite is more than just a fossil; it is a direct connection to life in the Early Jurassic seas. Its distinctive ribbing and elegant spiral form make it highly appealing both scientifically and aesthetically. Whether displayed as part of a serious fossil collection or used as an educational piece to illustrate Earth’s geological past, this ammonite is sure to attract interest and admiration. Its provenance from Runswick Bay, a classic fossil locality, only adds to its desirability.

Authenticity Guaranteed

We guarantee that all our fossils are 100% genuine. This ammonite comes with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete peace of mind. The photographs provided show the actual fossil you will receive, ensuring that each customer purchases a unique and authentic piece of natural history.

This Hildoceras bifrons fossil ammonite from Whitby’s Jurassic Coast is a scientifically important and visually impressive specimen, representing one of the most recognisable ammonites of the Jurassic period. It is a rare opportunity to own a well-preserved example of this classic species from one of the world’s best-known fossil localities.