Oxynoticeras Golden Pyrite Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Dorset UK Black Ven Marls Lower Lias Stonebarrow Cliff Charmouth Lyme Regis

Description

Genuine Golden Pyrite Oxynoticeras Ammonite from the Jurassic Coast

Offered here is a stunning Oxynoticeras golden pyrite ammonite fossil, collected from the famous Black Ven Marls at Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, within the world-renowned Jurassic Coast of Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. This is a carefully chosen, highly visual ammonite specimen, preserved with striking natural pyrite mineralisation.

The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with full sizing and scale clearly visible in the images. This is not a stock example, but the actual specimen offered for sale.

Your ammonite was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on 22 January 2026, and has been professionally cleaned, prepared, and stabilised by Alison to ensure long-term preservation and excellent display quality. Included with the fossil is a lifetime Certificate of Authenticity on a generic card, guaranteeing it as a genuine natural specimen.

Species Overview – Oxynoticeras

Oxynoticeras is a distinctive Early Jurassic ammonite genus, belonging to the Order Ammonitida, within the Family Oxynoticeratidae. These ammonites lived during the Sinemurian Stage of the Lower Jurassic, approximately 195 million years ago, when warm, shallow seas covered much of southern Britain.

Oxynoticeras is particularly prized for its elegant, compressed shell form and sharp keel, making it one of the most recognisable ammonites of the Lower Lias. Specimens from Dorset are internationally collected due to their scientific importance and exceptional preservation.

Morphology and Notable Features

This ammonite displays the classic characteristics of Oxynoticeras, including:

• A strongly compressed whorl profile
• A pronounced ventral keel, giving a streamlined appearance
• Fine ribbing and growth lines that reflect natural shell development
• Symmetrical coiling with excellent definition

Oxynoticeras is thought to have been an active swimmer, using its streamlined shell shape for efficient movement through Jurassic seas.

Golden Pyrite Preservation

One of the most remarkable aspects of this fossil is its natural golden pyrite mineralisation. Pyrite, often called “fool’s gold,” forms when iron and sulphur combine under low-oxygen conditions within marine sediments. Over millions of years, pyrite replaced or infilled the original shell material, creating a shimmering metallic finish.

Pyritised ammonites from the Black Ven Marls are especially sought after because they combine scientific value with outstanding aesthetic appeal. The golden colour makes this specimen a true standout display fossil.

Geological Context – Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias

The Black Ven Marls are part of the Lower Lias sequence, deposited in a quiet offshore marine environment during the Early Jurassic. Fine muds accumulated on the sea floor, allowing ammonites and other marine organisms to be rapidly buried and fossilised.

Stonebarrow Cliff and Charmouth are among the most famous fossil collecting localities in the world, forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Fossils from this region have been studied for centuries and remain vital to understanding Jurassic marine life.

Collector and Display Value

This Oxynoticeras ammonite is ideal for:

• Fossil and ammonite collectors
• Mineral enthusiasts drawn to pyrite preservation
• Educational and teaching collections
• Display cabinets and conversation pieces

The combination of elegant shell form and golden pyrite mineralisation makes it one of the most desirable types of British ammonite.

Provenance and Authenticity

• Fossil: Oxynoticeras golden pyrite ammonite
• Formation: Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias
• Age: Lower Jurassic, Sinemurian Stage
• Locality: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK
• Discovered: 22 January 2026 by Alister and Alison
• Prepared by: Alison
• Certificate: Lifetime Certificate of Authenticity included

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine golden pyrite ammonite from one of the most celebrated fossil localities on Earth, preserving a marine creature that lived nearly 200 million years ago.