Hildoceras bifrons Fossil Ammonite Whitby Yorkshire Upper Lias Jurassic

Description

Hildoceras bifrons Fossil Ammonite – Upper Lias, Whitby Yorkshire Coast

Step back into the ancient seas of Jurassic Britain with this genuine Hildoceras bifrons fossil ammonite, a classic and highly collectible species from the world-famous Yorkshire Coast. This specimen comes from Runswick Bay, Whitby, North Yorkshire, one of the most important ammonite localities in the United Kingdom

Dating to the Upper Lias (Lower Jurassic), Hildoceras bifrons is an iconic ammonite species valued for its elegant coiling, distinctive ribbing, and significance in Jurassic stratigraphy. The fossil is a carefully chosen piece, and the photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive. Full sizing details are provided in the listing photos.

This fossil includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming it as a genuine specimen.

Notably, this ammonite is from the Alice Purnell Collection, adding an extra layer of provenance and collector interest.

Fossil Identification & Scientific Classification

Species: Hildoceras bifrons

Fossil Type: Ammonite (extinct marine cephalopod)

Order: Ammonitida

Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea

Family: Hildoceratidae

Geological Age: Lower Jurassic

Stratigraphy: Upper Lias

Locality: Runswick Bay, Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK

Provenance: Alice Purnell Collection

Hildoceras bifrons is widely recognised as one of the characteristic ammonites of the Upper Lias, and it is closely associated with the important Bifrons Zone, a key ammonite biozone used for dating Jurassic marine sediments.

Geological Setting – The Upper Lias of Yorkshire

Approximately 175–180 million years ago, the Whitby region lay beneath a warm, shallow sea rich in marine life. Fine muds accumulated on the sea floor, creating the shale and limestone layers of the Upper Lias that are now exposed along the dramatic Yorkshire coastline.

These deposits are renowned for preserving a diverse fossil fauna, including:

• Ammonites
• Belemnites
• Marine bivalves
• Occasional vertebrate remains

Runswick Bay is especially famous among collectors for producing well-preserved ammonites with strong detail and classic Jurassic character.

Morphology & Notable Features of Hildoceras

This species is prized for its distinctive shell form and ornamentation:

• Strongly ribbed whorls with elegant curvature
• A tightly coiled, planispiral shape
• Well-defined keel typical of fast-swimming ammonites
• Natural symmetry and striking fossil presence

Ammonites were active predators related to modern squid and octopus, using their chambered shells to regulate buoyancy as they moved through Jurassic seas.

Authenticity, Condition & Display

• Genuine fossil ammonite specimen
• Carefully selected collector-quality piece
• Actual specimen shown in the listing photograph
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card
• From the Alice Purnell Collection
• Full sizing available in photos

As with all authentic fossils, natural surface textures and subtle preparation features may be present, consistent with careful cleaning and preservation.

A Classic Whitby Fossil for Collectors & Gifts

A Yorkshire ammonite such as Hildoceras bifrons is a timeless addition to:

• Fossil and palaeontology collections
• Natural history displays
• Educational study specimens
• Unique Jurassic-themed gifts

With its renowned Whitby provenance, Upper Lias age, and collector provenance from the Alice Purnell Collection, this fossil ammonite is a superb piece of Britain’s prehistoric marine heritage.