Lytoceras fimbricatum Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Upper Pliensbachian Blockley UK Specimen

Description

Lytoceras fimbricatum Fossil Ammonite from Blockley, Gloucestershire, UK

This listing is for a genuine Lytoceras fimbricatum fossil ammonite, dating to the Upper Pliensbachian stage of the Early Jurassic. Sourced from the historically important fossil locality at Blockley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom, this specimen showcases the smooth, elegant form and ornate sutures typical of the Lytoceratidae family. The exact fossil shown in the photographs is the one you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for accurate size reference. All our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Setting – Upper Pliensbachian, Jurassic

This ammonite dates back approximately 190–183 million years, to the Upper Pliensbachian stage of the Early Jurassic. At this time, much of the Gloucestershire region was covered by shallow, warm seas connected to the ancient Tethys Ocean. Fine marine sediments such as clays and limestones accumulated here, producing conditions ideal for fossil preservation.

The Cotswold region, where Blockley lies, is well known for its Jurassic exposures, which have yielded an abundance of marine fossils. Ammonites like Lytoceras fimbricatum are particularly valuable as they provide crucial insights into the diversity and evolutionary pathways of early Jurassic ammonites.

Species and Classification

• Genus: Lytoceras
• Species: fimbricatum
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Lytoceratoidea
• Family: Lytoceratidae

Lytoceras fimbricatum is part of the Lytoceratidae, a family noted for its smooth shells, distinctive coiling, and highly complex suture patterns. These ammonites stand apart from more common ribbed forms such as Dactylioceras, offering collectors something both rare and scientifically significant.

Morphological Features

This specimen of Lytoceras fimbricatum displays several characteristic traits:

• Shell form: Involute, with inner whorls largely concealed.
• Surface: Smooth to lightly ornamented, contrasting with ribbed ammonites from the same age.
• Whorl profile: Rounded, symmetrical, and elegant in appearance.
• Sutures: Exceptionally intricate and ornate, forming deeply incised patterns typical of the Lytoceratidae.

These features make Lytoceras fimbricatum not only a useful species for palaeontologists but also an attractive display fossil.

Stratigraphy and Scientific Importance

As a representative of the Upper Pliensbachian ammonite fauna, Lytoceras fimbricatum holds important stratigraphic value. Ammonites are among the most important index fossils, allowing geologists to divide Jurassic rocks into precise biozones. Specimens from Blockley contribute to the refinement of ammonite-based zonation and provide key evidence for reconstructing Jurassic marine environments.

Collector and Display Value

• Collectors will value this specimen for its rarity, smooth coiling, and provenance from the classic Blockley locality.
• Researchers and educators will find it an excellent example of the Lytoceratidae, useful for illustrating ammonite diversity.
• As a display piece, its graceful shell shape and intricate suture lines make it an eye-catching addition to any fossil collection.

Authenticity and Guarantee

All of our fossils are responsibly sourced and 100% genuine specimens. This Lytoceras fimbricatum ammonite has been carefully selected for its rarity, preservation, and scientific significance. Every fossil is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring confidence in its provenance and geological history.

Key Information at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Lytoceras fimbricatum
• Geological Age: Upper Pliensbachian, Jurassic (~190–183 million years old)
• Locality: Blockley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
• Family: Lytoceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Condition: Natural fossil with smooth shell and complex sutures
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This Lytoceras fimbricatum ammonite fossil from Blockley, Gloucestershire is both scientifically significant and visually striking, making it a superb choice for collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts of Britain’s Jurassic heritage.