Description
Genuine Otoites sauzei Ammonite with Lappets
This listing is for the genuine ammonite fossil shown in the photographs, identified as Otoites (Otoites) sauzei and preserving lappets. It comes from Frogden Quarry near Sherborne in Dorset, United Kingdom, from the Inferior Oolite Group. The fossil dates to the Bajocian Stage of the Middle Jurassic and specifically the Sauzei Zone, giving it excellent geological context. The Bajocian spans approximately 170.3 to 168.3 million years ago. This is an authentic fossil, not a cast, replica, or modern reproduction, and the photographs show the exact specimen that will be supplied.
Middle Jurassic Marine Geology
Ammonites were extinct marine cephalopods related to modern squid, cuttlefish, octopus, and nautilus. Their shells were divided internally by septa into a sequence of chambers. The living animal occupied the final body chamber, while earlier chambers formed part of a buoyancy system. Suture lines developed where the septa met the shell wall and can assist in identifying and classifying ammonites. Because ammonites evolved rapidly and were distributed widely, their fossils are important index fossils used to correlate and date Jurassic marine rocks.
Otoites sauzei Identification
The supplied identification for this specimen is Otoites (Otoites) sauzei. Otoites is a characteristic Bajocian ammonite genus, and the species is closely associated with the Sauzei Zone that bears its name. Depending on preservation, examples may display coiled whorls, strong ribs, tubercles, shell profile, body chamber, sutural detail, internal mould, or mineral replacement. This exact fossil should be assessed from all photographs, which show its individual morphology, condition, and natural surfaces.
Preserved Lappets
A particularly interesting feature of this specimen is the presence of lappets. Lappets are paired projections extending from the aperture at the end of the body chamber in some ammonites. They are delicate structures and are not always preserved, making them valuable for interpreting the mature shell form. Their presence is often associated with microconch ammonites and may reflect differences between mature shell morphs. Please inspect the photographs carefully to see the preservation and position of these structures on the actual specimen.
Frogden Quarry Dorset Provenance
Frogden Quarry near Sherborne is a classic Dorset locality for fossils from the Inferior Oolite Group. These rocks were deposited in a Jurassic marine environment where shells and other remains accumulated on or within seabed sediment. Over millions of years the sediment compacted into rock while mineral-rich water preserved or replaced shell material. Matrix, colour variation, weathering, incomplete areas, mineral veining, and small chips are natural parts of this specimen’s geological history rather than manufacturing defects.
Exact Fossil and Certificate
You will receive the exact Otoites sauzei ammonite shown in the images, with no substitution. The first photograph is the main display view and the second gives another angle for assessing its lappets, shell, matrix, and preservation. Please refer to the photographs for full sizing and scale. This carefully selected specimen is suitable for a Jurassic ammonite collection, British fossil display, teaching resource, natural history cabinet, or special gift for a collector or enthusiast.
A generic Certificate of Authenticity is included. It records the supplied identification, geological age, zone, and locality information and carries our lifetime guarantee of authenticity. The fossil will be packed carefully and securely for dispatch. This genuine lappeted Otoites sauzei is an attractive and scientifically informative record of Middle Jurassic marine life from one of Dorset’s notable fossil localities.
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