Proplanulites Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Callovian Wiltshire UK COA Kellaways Sand

Description

Genuine Proplanulites sp. Ammonite Fossil from the Kellaways Sand Formation

This is a genuine Proplanulites sp. ammonite fossil from the Kellaways Sand Formation, dating to the Middle Jurassic, Callovian Stage, and collected from Wiltshire, UK. Ammonites from the Kellaways deposits are highly collectable British Jurassic fossils, valued for their classic coiled form, ribbed shell ornament, and strong connection to the warm marine seas that once covered southern England around 165 million years ago.

This fossil is a carefully chosen specimen, with the photo showing the actual ammonite you will receive. It is ideal for fossil collectors, Jurassic fossil displays, educational collections, natural history cabinets, geology enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an authentic British ammonite fossil with a clear geological setting. Full sizing can be seen in the photo.

Fossil Type and Species

The fossil is identified as Proplanulites sp., an ammonite genus known from Callovian marine deposits. Ammonites were extinct marine cephalopods related to modern squid, cuttlefish, and nautilus. They lived inside chambered, spiral shells and used the outer body chamber for movement, feeding, and protection. The internal chambers helped regulate buoyancy, allowing the animal to move through the Jurassic seas.

Proplanulites ammonites are recognised by their planispiral coiled shells and ribbed ornamentation. The ribbing on these ammonites is an important visual and scientific feature, reflecting shell growth and helping distinguish them from other Middle Jurassic ammonite groups. As with many British Callovian ammonites, specimens may show natural compression, matrix attachment, surface wear, or mineral staining, all of which are part of their geological history and fossilisation process.

Geology of the Kellaways Sand Formation

The Kellaways Sand Formation forms part of the classic Jurassic succession of England and is especially associated with the Callovian Stage of the Middle Jurassic. The formation is named after the area around Kellaways in Wiltshire, making this specimen particularly well connected to its historic geological type region.

The Kellaways Sand consists mainly of sandstones, silts, and sandy mudstone layers deposited in a shallow marine environment. During the Callovian, much of what is now Wiltshire lay beneath a warm epicontinental sea. These waters supported a diverse marine ecosystem including ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, gastropods, brachiopods, and other invertebrates. Ammonites are especially important in these rocks because they are excellent index fossils, helping geologists correlate and date Jurassic strata across Britain and Europe.

The Kellaways Sand overlies older Jurassic units and sits below the famous Oxford Clay Formation in the regional succession. This places it at an important transition in the Middle Jurassic marine record, preserving evidence of changing sea levels, sediment supply, and marine life before the deeper-water conditions represented by the Oxford Clay.

Callovian Age and Jurassic Marine Environment

The Callovian Stage represents a key part of the Middle Jurassic Period, approximately 166 to 163 million years ago. During this time, Britain was positioned much farther south than today and experienced a warmer climate. Shallow seas spread across large parts of the landscape, creating ideal conditions for ammonites and other marine animals.

This Proplanulites ammonite would have lived as an active marine predator or scavenger, moving through the water column and feeding on small marine organisms. Its shell would have provided protection and buoyancy control, while the animal’s soft body extended from the living chamber. After death, the shell settled into the sea floor sediment, where it was gradually buried, mineralised, and preserved as a fossil within the Kellaways Sand deposits.

British Jurassic Fossil Display Specimen

British ammonites remain among the most recognisable and desirable fossils for collectors. This specimen combines several attractive features: a named ammonite genus, a well-known Jurassic formation, a classic UK fossil locality, and a clear Middle Jurassic age. Its Wiltshire origin gives it added interest, as the Kellaways deposits are historically important in British stratigraphy and palaeontology.

This fossil makes a fine addition to a collection of UK fossils, ammonites, Jurassic specimens, or educational geological material. It is also suitable as a thoughtful gift for a fossil collector, natural history enthusiast, student, teacher, or anyone interested in ancient marine life.

Certificate of Authenticity Included

This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The fossil shown in the photograph is the actual carefully selected piece you will receive, allowing you to buy with confidence. Full sizing information is shown in the photo.