Description
Genuine Oxynoticeras Golden Pyrite Ammonite Fossil from the Jurassic Coast
This stunning Oxynoticeras Golden Pyrite Ammonite Fossil originates from the world-renowned Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, situated along the Jurassic Coast near Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Collected from the Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias Formation, this beautiful specimen represents a genuine window into the Early Jurassic seas that covered much of southern England approximately 195–200 million years ago. The ammonite’s lustrous golden pyrite preservation and intricate ribbing make it an exceptional display piece, appealing to both serious fossil collectors and admirers of natural history.
Every fossil we offer is an authentic geological specimen, not a reproduction. This piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its scientific integrity and provenance. The specimen photographed is the exact one you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and trust in its quality.
Discovery and Preparation
This specific ammonite was discovered by our own field team, Alister and Alison, on 22 October 2025 along the lower slopes of Stonebarrow Cliff. The fossil was carefully cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to reveal its golden pyritised shell and natural detail while preserving the original matrix. The work was done by hand using precision tools to maintain the fossil’s authenticity and geological integrity. The accompanying photo includes a 1cm scale cube for accurate sizing reference.
Geological and Scientific Context
The Black Ven Marls are part of the Lower Lias Group, a sequence of Early Jurassic marine sediments deposited under calm, oxygen-poor conditions that promoted exceptional preservation. These fine-grained clays and shales often yield pyritised ammonites where iron sulphide replaced the original shell material, producing the stunning golden sheen characteristic of the fossils from this region.
The genus Oxynoticeras belongs to the family Oxynoticeratidae, within the superfamily Hildoceratoidea, order Ammonitida. These ammonites are notable for their strongly compressed, evolute shells with sharp venter (outer rim) and fine, closely spaced ribbing. They are often found flattened within the marlstone but retain remarkable morphological clarity. Oxynoticeras species thrived during the Sinemurian Stage of the Early Jurassic and are key index fossils used by geologists to identify and correlate rock layers across Europe.
Morphology and Key Features
Oxynoticeras ammonites exhibit a discoidal shell form with a narrow whorl and sharp ventral keel. The ribbing is fine and linear, giving the shell a delicate, intricate appearance accentuated by the metallic luster of pyrite. The golden coating results from pyritisation, a natural chemical process that occurs when sulphate-reducing bacteria in anoxic environments convert organic material and dissolved iron into iron sulphide, later crystallising as pyrite. This creates the natural golden finish prized by collectors.
Collector and Display Value
Each pyritised Oxynoticeras from Charmouth is unique, displaying its own variations in ribbing, luster, and preservation. This specimen combines scientific importance with aesthetic beauty, making it a standout addition to any fossil, geology, or natural history collection. Whether displayed in a cabinet, used for educational purposes, or gifted to a fossil enthusiast, it represents a tangible link to the prehistoric seas of the Jurassic Coast—now a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its geological heritage.
Authenticity and Provenance Guarantee
All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens sourced ethically and responsibly. Each comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring that your purchase is not only a beautiful natural artifact but also a scientifically valid specimen. The piece you see pictured is the exact fossil you will receive—a one-of-a-kind discovery from Dorset’s famous Lower Lias formations, expertly prepared to highlight its golden beauty and historical significance.






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