Description
Genuine Hildoceras crassum Ammonite Fossil
This listing is for a genuine Hildoceras crassum fossil ammonite from the Beacon Limestone, Jurassic, collected from Ilminster, Somerset, UK. This is a carefully chosen fossil specimen, selected for its natural character, collectable appeal and connection to one of Britain’s classic Jurassic fossil localities. The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive, so you can buy with confidence knowing exactly which fossil is being supplied. Full sizing and scale details can be seen in the photo.
Your specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, and has been carefully cleaned, prepped and treated by Alison. It is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming that this is a genuine fossil specimen suitable for collectors, educational displays, natural history cabinets, fossil gifts and Jurassic geology collections.
About Hildoceras crassum
Hildoceras crassum is an extinct ammonite species from the Jurassic seas. Ammonites were marine cephalopods, related to modern squid, octopus and nautilus, but they lived inside coiled, chambered shells. The living animal occupied the final outer chamber, while the earlier chambers helped regulate buoyancy as it moved through the ancient marine environment.
Hildoceras is one of the most recognisable ammonite genera of the Lower Jurassic and is especially associated with the Toarcian Stage. The genus belongs to the family Hildoceratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea and the order Ammonitida. These ammonites are highly valued by collectors and geologists because they combine attractive shell form with strong scientific importance in Jurassic biostratigraphy.
Shell Form and Identifying Features
Hildoceras ammonites are known for their elegant planispiral coiling, ribbed ornament and distinctive whorl structure. Many examples show a compressed to moderately robust shell, curved ribs across the flanks and a clear outer edge. A characteristic feature of the genus is often the presence of a lateral groove or sulcus along the whorl, which gives the shell a recognisable profile and helps separate the rib pattern visually.
The species name crassum is associated with a more robust or thicker form, making this an appealing ammonite for collectors who appreciate strong shell character and classic Jurassic morphology. The combination of coiled form, rib detail and geological age makes Hildoceras crassum an excellent example of an ammonite fossil from the ancient seas of Britain.
Beacon Limestone and Jurassic Age
This fossil comes from the Beacon Limestone, a fossiliferous Jurassic limestone unit known from the Ilminster area of Somerset. The Beacon Limestone is valued for producing British Jurassic ammonites and other marine fossils preserved within hard limestone deposits.
Hildoceras is associated with the Lower Jurassic Toarcian Stage, around 182 to 174 million years ago. During this time, much of what is now southern Britain was covered by warm marine waters. These seas supported a rich ecosystem of ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, brachiopods, fish and marine reptiles. Ammonites are particularly important fossils because they evolved rapidly and were widely distributed, allowing geologists to use them for dating and correlating Jurassic rock layers.
Ilminster, Somerset Fossil Locality
Ilminster, Somerset is a classic British fossil locality with a strong association with Jurassic ammonites and marine fossils. Fossils from this area are sought after for their British provenance and their link to the historic fossil-bearing rocks of southwest England.
The Beacon Limestone represents a marine depositional environment where carbonate-rich sediments accumulated on the seabed. Over millions of years, shells and other remains buried within these sediments became mineralised and preserved as fossils. Specimens from Ilminster are popular with collectors because they offer both natural display beauty and genuine geological significance.
Collectable British Jurassic Display Fossil
This Hildoceras crassum ammonite fossil is a desirable specimen for collectors of British fossils, Jurassic ammonites, Somerset fossils, palaeontology items and natural history display pieces. Its recognised genus, Beacon Limestone origin and classic Ilminster locality make it a strong addition to a fossil collection, teaching set, display cabinet or geology-themed gift.
As the photograph shows the actual fossil supplied, this listing offers a clear and honest view of the specimen you will receive. With its genuine Jurassic age, British locality and included Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, this Hildoceras crassum fossil provides a direct connection to the ancient marine world of Jurassic Somerset.
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