Kosmoceras Ammonite Fossil from Kellaways Beds Callovian Jurassic Latton Quarry Cotswold Water Park Swindon UK

Description

Geological Context and Provenance

This specimen is a Kosmoceras ammonite fossil, preserved from the Kellaways Beds of the Callovian Stage, Middle Jurassic (approx. 166 – 163 million years ago). It was collected at Latton Quarry, Cotswold Water Park, Swindon, UK, one of Britain’s most significant Jurassic fossil localities. The Kellaways Beds are part of the Great Oolite Group and represent shallow marine deposits laid down in epicontinental seas that once covered much of southern England.

The Callovian seas supported thriving ammonite faunas, including the diverse and ornate genus Kosmoceras, which is widely recognised for its stratigraphic importance and distinctive ornamentation.

Fossil Type and Species Information

The genus Kosmoceras belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Stephanoceratoidea, and Family Kosmoceratidae. Ammonites of this genus are renowned for their intricate shell ornamentation, often with strong ribbing, tubercles, and decorative keels. Kosmoceras is one of the most characteristic ammonites of the Middle Jurassic and is frequently used in detailed biostratigraphic studies to define Callovian biozones.

Morphological Features

This fossil demonstrates the key diagnostic traits of Kosmoceras:

• Ornamented Whorls – Strong ribs run across the flanks, sometimes with tubercles, enhancing the shell’s striking texture.
• Keel and Ventral Ornamentation – A well-defined keel can be seen along the venter, a classic feature of the genus.
• Planispiral Coiling – The shell is tightly coiled with earlier whorls partly obscured, giving it a compact, rounded form.
• Aesthetic Detailing – The ribbing and shell structure create an appealing visual effect, making it highly desirable for collectors.

These features not only define the genus but also add to the fossil’s display quality, making it suitable for both scientific study and decorative presentation.

Depositional Environment

The Kellaways Beds were deposited in a shallow marine shelf environment with calm, fine-grained sediment accumulation. These conditions allowed for excellent fossil preservation, particularly of ammonites, bivalves, and other marine life. The abundance and variety of ammonites such as Kosmoceras reflect the ecological richness of these Jurassic seas, where these cephalopods played a major role as active predators.

Scientific and Collector Significance

Owning a specimen of Kosmoceras from Latton Quarry offers several advantages:

• Stratigraphic Value – Kosmoceras is an important index fossil for correlating Callovian strata across Europe.
• Collector’s Appeal – Its ornate ribbing and distinct morphology make it visually impressive.
• Rare Provenance – Fossils from Latton Quarry are sought-after due to their exceptional preservation and scientific value.

Authenticity and Presentation

• 100% Genuine Specimen – Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Exact Fossil You Receive – Photographs show the actual ammonite for sale.
• Scale Reference – Scale rule squares / cube = 1 cm; please refer to photos for full sizing.

This Kosmoceras ammonite fossil from the Callovian of Swindon is a remarkable piece of Jurassic natural history, offering both scientific importance and display quality. It is an excellent addition for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of palaeontology.