Description
Microderoceras Fossil Ammonite from Black Ven, Lyme Regis
This genuine Microderoceras fossil ammonite comes from the Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias, collected from Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset, on the famous Jurassic Coast of the UK. It is a carefully chosen fossil specimen, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. Full sizing can be seen in the photo, and the image shows the actual fossil specimen you will receive.
This specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, and has been cleaned, prepped and treated by Alison. Fossils from Black Ven are highly collectable because this stretch of coastline is one of the classic Lower Jurassic fossil localities in Britain, renowned for producing ammonites, marine reptile remains, belemnites, bivalves and other ancient marine life from the early Jurassic seas.
Species and Scientific Interest
Microderoceras is a distinctive genus of Lower Jurassic ammonite, belonging to the ammonoid group of extinct marine cephalopods. These animals lived in ancient seas and are related to modern squid, cuttlefish and nautilus. Microderoceras is especially recognised for its strongly ribbed shell form, typically showing a coiled planispiral shape with bold ornamentation.
Microderoceras is generally placed within the family Eoderoceratidae and the order Ammonitida. Fossils of this genus are associated with the Sinemurian Stage of the Lower Jurassic, making them approximately 190 to 199 million years old. Their ribbed whorls and compact form make them popular with collectors, especially when preserved from classic British localities such as Lyme Regis.
Black Ven Marls and Lower Lias Geology
The Black Ven Marls form part of the Lower Lias sequence exposed around Lyme Regis and Charmouth on the Dorset coast. These Jurassic sediments were deposited in a shallow marine environment when southern Britain was covered by warm epicontinental seas. Fine muds, silts and limy sediments accumulated on the sea floor, preserving a rich fossil record of ammonites and other marine organisms.
The alternating clays, marls and limestone bands of the Lower Lias are well known for their fossil content. Ammonites from these beds are especially important to palaeontologists because they can be used for biostratigraphy, helping to divide and date the rock layers. The rapid evolution and wide distribution of ammonites make them excellent guide fossils for the Jurassic Period.
Locality: Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset
Black Ven is one of the most famous fossil-bearing cliffs on the Jurassic Coast, located between Lyme Regis and Charmouth in Dorset. The area is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, celebrated for its outstanding geological exposures and fossil-rich coastal cliffs. The landslips and eroding marls regularly reveal material from the Lower Jurassic, making Black Ven an important locality for both collectors and scientific study.
Fossils from this area are highly desirable because of their historic association with early palaeontology. Lyme Regis and the surrounding coastline became internationally famous through discoveries made in the 19th century, including the work of pioneering fossil collector Mary Anning. Ammonites from this region remain classic British fossils and are sought after by collectors around the world.
Morphology and Display Features
Microderoceras ammonites are known for their strong ribbing, rounded whorls and attractive coiled shell structure. The ribs are part of the original shell ornamentation and helped strengthen the shell during the ammonite’s life. Depending on preservation, specimens may show raised ribs, whorl detail, natural matrix, iron-rich tones, grey lias material or contrasting fossil surfaces typical of the Black Ven Marls.
This specimen has been selected as an appealing display fossil with strong educational and collecting interest. Natural variations in preservation, colour, matrix and surface detail are part of its authenticity and geological character. As an actual specimen shown in the photo, it is suitable for display in a fossil cabinet, educational collection, Jurassic Coast collection or as a thoughtful gift for a fossil enthusiast.
Authenticity and Collector Appeal
This Microderoceras fossil ammonite is a genuine Lower Jurassic specimen from Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. It includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, making it ideal for fossil collectors, students, geology enthusiasts and anyone interested in British palaeontology.
With its classic Jurassic Coast locality, Lower Lias age, distinctive ammonite form and carefully prepared presentation, this fossil is a superb addition to any collection of British fossils, Dorset fossils, Jurassic ammonites or scientifically interesting marine fossils.
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