Description
Authentic Promicroceras Calcite Ammonite Fossil from the Jurassic Coast, Dorset
This beautiful Promicroceras Calcite Ammonite Fossil originates from the world-renowned Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias Formation, located on the Jurassic Coast at Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. It was discovered by our expert fossil hunters Alister and Alison on 05 November 2025 and later cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to museum-grade standard. Dating to the Early Jurassic (Sinemurian Stage), approximately 195–200 million years ago, this fossil represents one of the most iconic ammonites of the British Jurassic Coast. Its natural calcite infilling gives it a striking appearance that catches the light beautifully, highlighting the detailed whorls and ribs characteristic of the genus.
Geological and Scientific Context
Promicroceras belongs to the family Eoderoceratidae, within the superfamily Eoderoceratoidea, and is an early representative of the order Ammonitida, a lineage of extinct cephalopods closely related to modern squid and octopus. This ammonite is especially significant to palaeontology, as it defines the Promicroceras Biozone of the Lower Sinemurian, an internationally recognised stratigraphic zone used to identify and correlate early Jurassic marine deposits across Europe.
The Black Ven Marls, part of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation, were deposited in a low-energy, shallow marine environment, where fine muds and calcareous sediments accumulated on the seabed. This tranquil depositional setting created ideal conditions for fossilisation, allowing delicate ammonite shells to be preserved in three dimensions. Over millions of years, mineral-rich waters percolated through the sediment, replacing the original shell material with calcite, giving this specimen its distinctive crystalline appearance.
Morphology and Distinctive Features
Promicroceras is a small but highly detailed ammonite species, known for its tightly coiled, evolute shell with all whorls visible from above. The shell exhibits fine ribbing and a pronounced keel, features that likely helped streamline the animal as it moved through the Jurassic seas. The ribs are sharp and evenly spaced, radiating across the shell in a visually striking pattern. This particular specimen showcases superb preservation of these features, with the natural calcite infill enhancing the definition of every ridge and suture line.
The ammonite’s compact spiral form and strong ribbing suggest a nektonic lifestyle, meaning it was an active swimmer that moved through open water using jet propulsion, similar to modern cephalopods. Its well-defined suture patterns—complex junctions where internal septa met the outer shell wall—reflect evolutionary adaptations for withstanding the pressures of deeper marine environments.
Geological Age and Formation
The Lower Lias Formation, dating from the Sinemurian Stage (around 197 million years ago), represents one of the most fossiliferous intervals in British geology. The Black Ven Marls near Lyme Regis have long been famous for their ammonite diversity and exceptional preservation, making them a key site for palaeontological research. This region is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast, one of the most important fossil localities in the world, where continuous coastal exposure reveals nearly 185 million years of Earth’s geological history.
Preparation and Provenance
This specimen was carefully collected and professionally prepared by our in-house team, ensuring complete authenticity and full traceability. Alison’s expert preparation has preserved the fossil’s natural form and enhanced its calcite details without compromising its integrity. As with all our fossils, this piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its identity, locality, and genuine origin from the Jurassic Coast.
Size and Presentation
Scale cube = 1 cm. Please refer to the listing photographs for full sizing information. The images show the exact specimen you will receive. The fossil sits within its natural marl matrix, providing a stable base for display and highlighting the contrast between the soft grey rock and golden calcite tones of the ammonite. This specimen is perfect for collectors, educational displays, or as a natural decorative feature showcasing Britain’s rich palaeontological heritage.
A Rare and Beautiful Collector’s Fossil
Promicroceras ammonites are among the most recognisable and scientifically valuable fossils from the Lyme Regis and Charmouth region. Their combination of scientific importance, natural beauty, and historical significance makes them highly sought after by collectors worldwide. This genuine Promicroceras Calcite Ammonite Fossil is a timeless example of nature’s artistry, preserved through millions of years beneath the Dorset cliffs.







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