Description
Genuine Iridescent Psiloceras planorbis Fossil Ammonites from Watchet, Somerset
These genuine iridescent Psiloceras planorbis fossil ammonites are exceptional Jurassic marine fossils recovered from the famous coastal exposures at Watchet, Somerset, United Kingdom. Originating from the Hettangian stage of the Early Jurassic, these ammonites date to approximately 201–199 million years ago and represent some of the earliest Jurassic ammonites known from Britain following the end-Triassic extinction event.
The fossils shown in the photographs are the exact specimens you will receive. Carefully selected for their preservation, natural iridescence and display quality, these ammonites were discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, and have been professionally cleaned, prepped and treated by Alison to preserve their natural detail and striking surface finish.
This fossil includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming the specimen is 100% genuine.
Full sizing please see photo.
About Psiloceras planorbis
Psiloceras planorbis is one of the most historically important ammonite species in British geology and palaeontology. This species is so scientifically significant that the Psiloceras planorbis Biozone is internationally recognised as marking the base of the Jurassic System in many geological successions throughout Europe.
Belonging to the order Ammonitida and the superfamily Psiloceratoidea, Psiloceras planorbis was an early Jurassic cephalopod closely related to modern squid and nautilus. These free-swimming marine predators inhabited ancient seas shortly after one of Earth’s major extinction events and rapidly diversified during the Early Jurassic.
The shell morphology of Psiloceras planorbis is typically smooth and evolute, with rounded whorls and subtle ribbing or growth lines. Many specimens from Watchet are especially prized for their beautiful natural iridescence, created through mineral replacement and preservation processes occurring during fossilisation. Under changing light, the fossil surface can display shimmering tones and reflective colouration that make each specimen unique.
Hettangian Age and Jurassic Seas
During the Hettangian stage, southern Britain was submerged beneath warm shallow seas rich in marine life. The sedimentary deposits around Watchet preserve evidence of this ancient environment in remarkable detail, including ammonites, bivalves, marine reptiles and other Early Jurassic fauna.
The mudstones and limestones of the region formed within calm marine depositional environments where fine sediment accumulated on the sea floor. These conditions helped preserve delicate shell material and allowed fossils such as Psiloceras to survive for over 200 million years.
Watchet has become one of the most famous British localities for Early Jurassic ammonites, attracting fossil collectors and geologists from around the world. Specimens from this locality are highly sought after due to their scientific importance, classic preservation and beautiful natural mineralisation.
Natural Iridescence and Fossil Preservation
One of the most desirable features of these ammonites is their genuine natural iridescence. This shimmering effect develops during fossilisation when the original shell structure interacts with mineral-rich groundwater over millions of years. The result is a striking reflective finish that enhances the intricate curves and shell patterns of the ammonite.
Each specimen has been carefully prepared to reveal the fossil while preserving the original geological integrity. No artificial colouring or replica material has been used. The fossils retain authentic natural textures, mineralisation and shell detail formed during the Jurassic period.
These ammonites make outstanding additions to fossil collections, natural history displays, geology cabinets and educational collections focused on prehistoric marine life and British Jurassic fossils.
Certificate of Authenticity
Included with the fossil is a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card confirming the authenticity of the specimen. The photographs provided show the exact fossils you will receive, ensuring collectors can purchase with complete confidence.
These genuine Psiloceras planorbis ammonites are ideal for collectors of Jurassic fossils, ammonites, iridescent fossils, British fossils, cephalopod fossils and scientifically important index fossils from the Early Jurassic of the United Kingdom.
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