Description
Genuine Hoplopleuriceras sp. Ammonite Fossil from Horn Park Quarry, Dorset
This Hoplopleuriceras sp. ammonite fossil is a genuine Middle Jurassic specimen from the Inferior Oolite Group at Horn Park Quarry, Dorset, UK. Dating from the Bajocian Stage, this carefully chosen fossil represents an ancient marine cephalopod from the warm Jurassic seas that once covered southern Britain and parts of western Europe. It is an attractive natural history specimen with strong geological interest, classic ammonite appeal and a desirable British fossil locality.
The photograph shows the actual fossil you will receive, making this an individual specimen rather than a stock image or representative example. For full sizing and visible condition, please see the listing photo. This fossil includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.
Fossil Type and Species Interest
Hoplopleuriceras is an ammonite, an extinct marine cephalopod related to modern squid, cuttlefish and nautilus. Ammonites lived inside coiled external shells divided into a series of internal chambers. These chambers allowed the animal to regulate buoyancy in the water column, while the soft-bodied animal occupied the final living chamber at the front of the shell.
Hoplopleuriceras is associated with the diverse ammonite faunas of the Middle Jurassic. Specimens of this genus can show a compact, coiled shell form with strong ribbing and bold ornamentation, giving them a distinctive fossil appearance. Many examples display ribs that curve across the whorls, sometimes with raised points or tuberculate features depending on the species, growth stage and preservation. These sculptural details make Hoplopleuriceras attractive to fossil collectors as both a display piece and a scientifically interesting ammonite.
As an ammonite, Hoplopleuriceras belongs to the order Ammonitida, one of the most important groups of Mesozoic cephalopods. Ammonites evolved rapidly, were abundant in ancient seas and spread widely through marine environments, making them excellent fossils for comparing and dating rock layers. This gives the specimen value not only as a decorative fossil but also as a representative example of Jurassic biostratigraphy and marine life.
Geology, Age and Inferior Oolite Group
This fossil comes from the Inferior Oolite Group, a well-known Middle Jurassic rock unit famous for fossil-rich limestones, oolitic sediments and diverse marine invertebrate faunas. The Bajocian Stage was an important interval of the Middle Jurassic, when warm shallow seas extended across much of what is now southern England.
The term oolite refers to limestone made partly from small rounded carbonate grains called ooids. These formed in warm, moving shallow marine waters where calcium carbonate built up around tiny particles on the sea floor. Over millions of years, these sediments became compacted and cemented into limestone, preserving the remains of ammonites, belemnites, brachiopods, bivalves, gastropods, echinoids and other marine life.
During the Bajocian, ammonites such as Hoplopleuriceras lived in marine environments rich in invertebrate life. Their chambered shells helped them move through the water, while their tentacled bodies would have allowed them to catch small prey or scavenge in the ancient sea.
Horn Park Quarry Locality
Horn Park Quarry in Dorset is a notable Jurassic fossil locality associated with the Inferior Oolite Group. Fossils from this area are appreciated by collectors for their connection to classic British geology, Middle Jurassic marine deposits and the fossil-rich limestone beds of southwest England.
A Hoplopleuriceras sp. ammonite from Horn Park Quarry combines a desirable fossil type, a defined Bajocian age and a respected Dorset locality. This makes it a strong addition to collections focused on British fossils, Jurassic ammonites, Inferior Oolite specimens, cephalopods or natural history display pieces.
Authenticity and Presentation
This Hoplopleuriceras sp. ammonite fossil is a genuine specimen selected for its natural character, geological interest and display quality. It is supplied exactly as shown in the listing photograph, so the fossil pictured is the actual piece you will receive.
The included Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card provides reassurance for collectors, educators, gift buyers and natural history enthusiasts. This makes the fossil suitable for a serious fossil collection, educational use or display in a cabinet, study, classroom, office or geology-themed room.
Display, Collecting and Educational Value
This Hoplopleuriceras ammonite is ideal for collectors of British fossils, Jurassic ammonites, Middle Jurassic cephalopods and natural history specimens. Its Bajocian age, Inferior Oolite origin, Horn Park Quarry locality and classic ribbed ammonite form give it excellent appeal as both a display fossil and an educational specimen.
As a genuine Middle Jurassic ammonite from Dorset, this fossil offers a direct connection to the ancient marine world that existed millions of years ago. It would make an excellent fossil gift, collector’s item, teaching specimen or display piece for anyone interested in ammonites, cephalopods, palaeontology, British geology and the fossil-rich marine deposits of the Jurassic Period.
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