Description
Genuine Microderoceras Fossil Ammonite
This listing is for a genuine Microderoceras fossil ammonite from the Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias, collected from the famous Jurassic Coast at Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Microderoceras is a highly distinctive Lower Jurassic ammonite, well known for its strongly ribbed shell form and attractive spined ornamentation. Fossils from this classic Dorset locality are especially sought after by collectors because of their connection to one of the most important fossil-bearing coastlines in the world.
This is a carefully chosen fossil specimen, and the photograph shows the actual ammonite you will receive. Full sizing and scale details can be seen in the photo, allowing you to view the fossil’s natural shape, proportions, preservation, and display character before purchase.
Classic Black Ven Jurassic Coast Locality
This Microderoceras ammonite comes from the Black Ven Marls, part of the Lower Lias succession exposed around Black Ven and Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast. The area forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast and is famous for producing exceptional Early Jurassic fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, fossil fish, crinoids, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and other ancient marine remains.
The Black Ven Marls belong to the Charmouth Mudstone Formation and were deposited in an ancient marine environment during the Early Jurassic. Fine muds settled on the sea floor, helping to preserve the shells and remains of marine animals that lived in the warm Jurassic seas. These sediments are particularly well known for ammonite fossils, making specimens from Black Ven and Lyme Regis highly desirable for both display and educational collections.
About Microderoceras
Microderoceras was an extinct ammonite genus belonging to the order Ammonitida and the family Eoderoceratidae. Ammonites were marine cephalopods related to modern squid, octopus, cuttlefish, and nautilus. They lived inside coiled chambered shells, using the internal chambers for buoyancy and the outer body chamber to house the living animal.
Microderoceras is especially recognisable for its evolute coiling, where the whorls are openly arranged and earlier coils remain visible. The shell typically carries strong ribs and prominent tubercles or spine bases, giving the fossil a bold sculptured appearance. These features made the shell stronger during life and now give Microderoceras ammonites their distinctive collector appeal. The genus is associated with the Early Jurassic, particularly the Sinemurian stage, and is an important part of the classic Lower Lias ammonite fauna.
Ancient Jurassic Marine Environment
During the time this ammonite lived, the Dorset coast was covered by a shallow to offshore Jurassic sea. Microderoceras would have lived alongside other ammonites, belemnites, fish, bivalves, crinoids, and large marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. Ammonites were active marine animals, moving through the water column and forming an important part of the Jurassic food chain.
The Black Ven Marls represent a low-energy marine setting, where fine sediment could rapidly cover shells and other remains. This helped preserve the fine ribbing, coiling, and natural structure seen in many ammonite fossils from the area. Each specimen from these deposits is naturally individual, with its own preservation, colour, matrix, surface texture, and geological character.
Fossil Features and Collector Appeal
This Microderoceras ammonite is a genuine British Jurassic fossil with strong locality appeal. Its ribbed shell form, Lower Lias age, and Black Ven origin make it an excellent specimen for fossil collectors, ammonite enthusiasts, geology students, natural history displays, and educational collections. Microderoceras is particularly appealing because of its striking morphology, with bold ribs and spined ornamentation that make it stand out from many smoother ammonite forms.
As a natural fossil, the specimen may show signs of ancient preservation, mineralisation, matrix, surface texture, and natural geological wear. These features are part of its authenticity and help reflect its long history within the Jurassic marine sediments of Dorset.
Discovery, Preparation and Premium Authenticity
Your specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, at Black Ven on the Jurassic Coast. It has been cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to help preserve and present the fossil while retaining its natural character.
This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen shown in the photograph is the exact fossil you will receive, not a stock image. This makes it a trustworthy and attractive addition to any fossil collection, ammonite display, British fossil cabinet, Jurassic Coast collection, or natural history gift.
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