Rare Ludwigia agria Fossil Ammonite Inferior Oolite Jurassic Coast Burton Bradstock Dorset UK Genuine Specimen with COA

Exceptional Ludwigia agria Ammonite from the Inferior Oolite, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, UK

This outstanding Ludwigia agria fossil ammonite was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on 2 October 2025, at Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom, along the world-famous Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been expertly cleaned, prepared, and treated by Alison, revealing remarkable ribbing, definition, and natural beauty. Originating from the Inferior Oolite Formation, this specimen dates to the Middle Jurassic Period (Bajocian Stage, approximately 170–168 million years ago) and represents a scientifically important and visually impressive ammonite species from one of Britain’s most iconic fossil localities.

Geological and Depositional Context

The Inferior Oolite Formation is a renowned fossil-bearing limestone sequence formed in a warm, shallow marine environment during the Middle Jurassic. The name “oolite” comes from its composition — small, spherical grains (ooids) cemented together, formed in clear, sunlit waters similar to modern tropical seas. The sedimentary conditions were ideal for preserving delicate fossils, including ammonites, brachiopods, echinoderms, and marine reptiles.
The Burton Bradstock section, part of the Dorset stretch of the Jurassic Coast, provides a continuous record of Bajocian marine life and sedimentation. It is within these strata that Ludwigia agria occurs, particularly in the Garantiana Biozone, an interval known for diverse and beautifully preserved ammonite faunas. The Inferior Oolite here forms part of a shallow carbonate shelf system that extended across southern England, a key site for studying Jurassic paleoecology and ammonite evolution.

Species Overview – Ludwigia agria

Ludwigia agria belongs to the family Graphoceratidae, superfamily Hildoceratoidea, order Ammonitida. It is distinguished by its finely ribbed, moderately involute shell with elegant, flowing ornamentation. The ribs are typically simple or gently bifurcating, giving the shell a smooth and balanced appearance, while its whorl section is compressed with a rounded venter. These features give Ludwigia ammonites their graceful and refined form, emblematic of the transitional ammonite faunas of the early Bajocian.
The genus Ludwigia plays a key role in Jurassic biostratigraphy, serving as an important index fossil for dating and correlating marine sediments across Europe. Its wide distribution and distinctive morphology make it one of the more recognisable ammonites from the Inferior Oolite, prized by collectors and scientists alike. The species L. agria itself is known for its subtle ribbing and symmetry, marking a point of evolutionary refinement within the Graphoceratidae lineage.

Scientific and Historical Importance

Ludwigia agria provides valuable insight into the evolutionary transition of ammonites during the Bajocian Stage — a time of diversification following the earlier extinction events of the Lower Jurassic. The genus was first formally described in the 19th century by leading European paleontologists, and specimens from Dorset have long contributed to the understanding of Middle Jurassic ammonite assemblages.
The Inferior Oolite ammonites of Burton Bradstock have been collected and studied since the early days of British geology, when scientists such as William Buckland and Henry De la Beche first began documenting the fossil wealth of the Jurassic Coast. This specimen continues that legacy, showcasing both the scientific importance and natural artistry of Dorset’s geological heritage.

Condition, Provenance, and Authenticity

This 100% genuine fossil has been carefully prepared to reveal its finest natural features without any artificial restoration. The surface displays clear ribbing and exquisite shell definition, typical of Ludwigia agria. Its matrix base highlights the fossil beautifully, making it suitable for both scientific reference and decorative display.
The photograph shows the exact specimen you will receive, guaranteeing authenticity and transparency. Each fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying the species, locality, geological formation, and date of discovery.

Details at a Glance

• Species: Ludwigia agria

• Family: Graphoceratidae

• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea

• Order: Ammonitida

• Age: Bajocian Stage, Middle Jurassic (~170–168 million years ago)

• Biozone: Garantiana Biozone

• Formation: Inferior Oolite

• Locality: Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom

• Discovered by: Alister and Alison on 02 October 2025

• Prepared by: Alison

• Condition: Professionally prepared, natural specimen in excellent condition

• Scale: Cube = 1 cm (see photo for full sizing)

• Included: Certificate of Authenticity

A Fine Collector’s Fossil from the Jurassic Coast

This Ludwigia agria ammonite is a stunning representation of Jurassic marine life, combining aesthetic beauty with deep scientific value. Its rarity, preservation, and provenance from the famous Inferior Oolite of Burton Bradstock make it a distinguished addition to any collection — a true piece of Britain’s natural history captured in stone.