Neoaspidoceras Ammonite Fossil Rare Middle Oxfordian Jurassic Woodham UK Genuine

Description

Authentic Neoaspidoceras Ammonite Fossil from the Jurassic of England

This listing offers a rare Neoaspidoceras ammonite fossil from the Middle Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period, discovered in Woodham, United Kingdom. Dating back approximately 160 million years, this ammonite provides a fascinating glimpse into the marine life of the Jurassic seas. Each fossil has been carefully chosen for quality and authenticity, ensuring that collectors and enthusiasts receive a truly exceptional specimen.

The photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included to give an accurate sense of size. Every fossil we supply is a 100% genuine specimen, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, making it a secure and reliable addition to any collection of natural history.

Geological Context – Middle Oxfordian, Jurassic

The Oxfordian stage marks the beginning of the Late Jurassic, spanning approximately 163.5–157.3 million years ago. Fossiliferous deposits in Woodham are internationally recognised for producing ammonites of exceptional rarity and preservation, including the genus Neoaspidoceras, a taxon of particular scientific and collector interest.

During this time, much of modern-day Britain was covered by shallow epicontinental seas. Fine sediments accumulated across the sea floor, creating conditions ideal for the preservation of ammonite shells. Fossils such as this specimen allow researchers to reconstruct the paleoecology of Oxfordian seas, providing insights into species diversity, evolutionary adaptations, and marine environments of the Jurassic period.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Neoaspidoceras
• Family: Aspidoceratidae
• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Geological Stage: Middle Oxfordian, Jurassic
• Locality: Woodham, United Kingdom

Morphological Features of Neoaspidoceras

Members of the genus Neoaspidoceras are characterised by their robust and often highly ornate shells. Notable features typically include:

• Strong ribs and tubercles, giving the shell a bold and heavily sculptured appearance.
• Broad whorls with pronounced ornamentation, making them stand out compared to more streamlined ammonite genera.
• A sturdy, discoidal shell form, often with spines or nodules along the ribs, which may have served as a form of defence against marine predators.
• The complex suture lines typical of ammonites, representing the boundaries between shell chambers, which are often visible in well-preserved specimens.

These characteristics make Neoaspidoceras one of the most visually striking ammonites, sought after by collectors for both its rarity and aesthetic qualities.

Paleoecological Role

Like all ammonites, Neoaspidoceras was a nektonic cephalopod, moving actively through the Jurassic seas. Its chambered shell allowed for precise buoyancy control, enabling it to inhabit different parts of the water column. It was likely a predator, feeding on small marine organisms such as crustaceans, bivalves, and juvenile fish.

The robust shell ornamentation of Neoaspidoceras may have been an evolutionary adaptation against predation, helping deter attacks from larger marine reptiles or fish. Fossils of this genus play a key role in biostratigraphy, helping geologists to date Middle Oxfordian strata with high precision.

Collector and Display Appeal

This rare Neoaspidoceras ammonite fossil from Woodham is an important piece for serious fossil collectors, paleontology enthusiasts, and natural history lovers. Its bold ornamentation and rarity make it ideal for display in private collections, educational settings, or as a striking natural conversation piece.

Holding this specimen connects you directly to the Jurassic seas of 160 million years ago, when ammonites like Neoaspidoceras thrived alongside marine reptiles, echinoids, bivalves, and other invertebrates in warm, shallow waters that once covered much of Europe.

Key Details

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Genus: Neoaspidoceras
• Age: Middle Oxfordian, Jurassic (c. 160 million years old)
• Origin: Woodham, United Kingdom
• Distinctive ribbing, tubercles, and ornamentation
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Photographed with 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing

This is a rare and scientifically valuable Neoaspidoceras ammonite fossil, making it a highly desirable specimen for collectors and an extraordinary reminder of Earth’s deep past.