Description
Capture a tangible piece of Earth’s ancient marine heritage with this authentic Michelinoceras bullatum orthocone fossil, originating from the Ludfordian stage of the Silurian period, unearthed in Bridgewood, Ludlow, UK. This fossil showcases the long, chambered shell structure typical of Paleozoic cephalopods and represents one of the most iconic marine organisms from this era.
Fossil Type: Orthocone Cephalopod
Species: Michelinoceras bullatum
Geological Period: Silurian (~443 to 419 million years ago)
Geological Stage: Ludfordian (Late Silurian)
Location: Bridgewood, Ludlow, Shropshire, UK
Scale Rule: Squares/Cube = 1cm (See photo for full sizing)
Specimen: The actual item shown in the photo is what you will receive
Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity
Geological and Paleontological Information
Michelinoceras bullatum belongs to a group of straight-shelled nautiloid cephalopods, often previously grouped under Orthoceras. These marine invertebrates thrived in Paleozoic seas and are frequently preserved in fine marine sediments.
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Orthocerida
- Family: Michelinoceratidae
- Superfamily: Orthocerataceae
- Geological Stage: Ludfordian (Late Silurian, ~421 to 419 million years ago)
- Depositional Environment: Shallow marine shelf setting; fine-grained sedimentary rocks (calcareous mudstones and shales) deposited under low-energy conditions
- Morphological Features: Long orthoconic (straight) shell with internal chambers separated by septa and pierced by a central or subcentral siphuncle; M. bullatum often shows faint transverse ornamentation and growth lines
- Notable: Ludlow is a globally significant Silurian fossil site, known for yielding exceptionally preserved marine fauna; Michelinoceras bullatum is a representative genus for nautiloid diversity during the late Silurian
- Biozone: May correspond with upper Silurian graptolite or brachiopod biozones from the Ludlow series, though precise stratigraphic assignment is undetermined
- Identifier: Michelinoceras was first described by paleontologists refining cephalopod taxonomy from earlier generalizations under Orthoceras
Why This Fossil is Noteworthy
This fossil represents a well-preserved orthoconic nautiloid from a region globally recognized for Silurian stratigraphy. The specimen displays detailed structural features of the phragmocone, including chamber divisions, offering both educational and aesthetic value.
Why Buy From Us?
- 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
- Exact specimen shown in the listing photos
- Sourced from scientifically significant UK fossil sites
- Ideal for collectors, educators, and paleontology enthusiasts
Own a real piece of Earth’s deep-time record with this Michelinoceras bullatum orthocone fossil from the Silurian Ludfordian seas of Ludlow, UK — a striking reminder of ancient marine life from over 419 million years ago.
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