Description
Rare Protocymbites waehneri Ammonite Fossil from Ravenscar, Yorkshire
This is a rare Protocymbites waehneri ammonite fossil, dating to the Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic, discovered at Ravenscar, Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Formed approximately 199–190 million years ago, this specimen represents one of the important ammonite faunas of the Lower Jurassic. The specimen offered here is the exact fossil shown in the photographs, pictured with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing.
Every fossil we offer is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, making this an ideal acquisition for both collectors and enthusiasts of paleontology.
Geological Context – Sinemurian Stage, Early Jurassic
The Sinemurian stage forms a significant part of the Early Jurassic, a time when ammonites diversified rapidly following the end-Triassic extinction. The Yorkshire coast, including Ravenscar, is internationally recognised for its world-class Jurassic exposures, particularly the Whitby Mudstone Formation, which preserves abundant ammonite faunas.
The depositional setting was a marine basin with relatively low-energy conditions, where fine-grained sediments allowed for excellent fossil preservation. Fossils from these deposits often retain exquisite shell detail, making them highly sought after for both scientific study and display.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Protocymbites
- Species: Protocymbites waehneri
- Family: Echioceratidae
- Superfamily: Eoderoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Geological Stage: Sinemurian, Early Jurassic (199–190 million years ago)
- Locality: Ravenscar, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Morphological Features of Protocymbites waehneri
The genus Protocymbites is distinguished by its elegant and diagnostic shell form. Typical features seen in specimens such as this include:
- Compressed, involute coiling, with outer whorls covering much of the earlier ones.
- Distinctive ribbing radiating from the umbilicus to the venter, often bifurcating towards the shell’s edge.
- A narrow venter with ribs that may curve slightly forward, giving the shell a dynamic appearance.
- Well-developed suture lines, showing the complex internal chamber divisions typical of ammonites.
These features not only aid in scientific classification but also add to the visual beauty of the specimen, making it an excellent piece for display.
Stratigraphic and Scientific Importance
Ammonites such as Protocymbites waehneri are invaluable as index fossils, meaning they are used to precisely date and correlate Jurassic rock layers across Europe. The Sinemurian ammonites of Yorkshire form part of internationally recognised ammonite biozones, allowing researchers to reconstruct the stratigraphy and paleoenvironment of the Early Jurassic seas.
Ravenscar, in particular, is a noted fossil locality, with ammonites often found in situ within the shales and mudstones of the Jurassic sequence. Fossils from this region are widely studied and collected due to their importance in paleontological research.
Paleoecology and Ancient Environment
Protocymbites ammonites were active nektonic predators, swimming freely in the shallow marine seas of the Early Jurassic. Their chambered shells allowed buoyancy control, enabling them to hunt small crustaceans, molluscs, and other invertebrates. These ammonites formed part of a rich marine ecosystem alongside bivalves, brachiopods, belemnites, and large marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs.
The abundance and diversity of ammonites at this time highlight both their evolutionary success and their central role in Jurassic marine ecosystems.
Collector and Display Value
This Protocymbites waehneri ammonite fossil from Ravenscar, Yorkshire is a particularly desirable specimen due to its rarity and fine preservation. With its scientific value, aesthetic shell form, and provenance from a world-renowned locality, it is ideal for collectors of Jurassic ammonites, students of paleontology, and those seeking unique natural history display pieces.
Key Details
- Fossil Type: Ammonite
- Species: Protocymbites waehneri
- Age: Sinemurian Stage, Early Jurassic (199–190 million years old)
- Origin: Ravenscar, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
- Distinctive ribbed morphology with compressed coiling
- Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Exact specimen shown in photographs with 1 cm scale cube
This fossil represents a rare opportunity to acquire an ammonite of outstanding provenance, connecting you directly to the thriving marine life of the Early Jurassic seas of Britain.
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