Pseudolioceras lythense Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Whitby Runswich Bay UK Genuine Specimen

Description

Authentic Pseudolioceras lythense Fossil Ammonite from Whitby, UK

This beautiful Pseudolioceras lythense fossil ammonite was discovered along the famous coastline of Runswich Bay, Whitby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Dating from the Early Jurassic period, approximately 182 million years ago, this ammonite is an exceptional example of Britain’s fossil heritage. Carefully chosen for its quality and preservation, the specimen is shown in detail in the photographs provided, with a 1 cm scale cube for reference. Every fossil we offer is 100% genuine and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context and Age

This specimen originates from the Middle Lias of the Whitby Mudstone Formation, laid down during the Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic. The geological setting of Runswich Bay is world-renowned for its richly fossiliferous deposits, which preserve an abundance of marine life from ancient shallow seas. Pseudolioceras lythense is typically associated with the serpentinum biozone, making it a valuable index fossil for this part of the Jurassic. Such fossils are used by geologists worldwide to correlate rock sequences and refine geological timescales.

Taxonomy and Classification

Pseudolioceras lythense belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Hildoceratoidea, and family Hildoceratidae. Members of this group are important stratigraphic markers and are widely recognised across Europe and beyond. The genus Pseudolioceras is characterised by its finely ribbed shell and elegant whorl development, with lythense being a particularly distinctive and well-documented species. These ammonites were first scientifically described in the 19th century and remain of continuing interest to palaeontologists and collectors alike.

Morphological Features

The shell of Pseudolioceras lythense is generally compressed with involute coiling, giving it a streamlined appearance. Its ribbing is fine and regular, extending smoothly across the flanks and terminating at the keel, which is often sharp and prominent. These features suggest a nektonic lifestyle, with the ammonite well-adapted for efficient movement through the open waters of the Jurassic seas. The specimen displays the characteristic morphology of the species, making it an excellent study piece as well as a display-quality fossil.

Palaeoenvironment and Deposition

During the Early Jurassic, the area around Whitby formed part of a shallow epicontinental sea that supported an extraordinary diversity of marine life, including ammonites, belemnites, fish, and marine reptiles. The fine-grained muds of the Whitby Mudstone Formation provided excellent conditions for fossilisation, burying organisms rapidly and preserving their detail. Ammonites such as Pseudolioceras lythense played an important role in these ecosystems as active predators, feeding on smaller molluscs and planktonic animals.

Scientific and Collector Value

As an index fossil for the serpentinum biozone, Pseudolioceras lythense has significant scientific value. Its precise stratigraphic range allows geologists to date and correlate rock formations across wide regions. For collectors, this ammonite is prized not only for its rarity and distinctive form but also for its connection to the world-famous Whitby fossil beds. It represents both a natural work of art and a key piece of Earth’s evolutionary history.

Authenticity and Display

The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive. All of our fossils are guaranteed to be 100% genuine and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The scale rule shown (1 cm squares and cube) provides accurate sizing. This Pseudolioceras lythense fossil ammonite from Runswich Bay, Whitby, is a fine example of Jurassic palaeontology, combining scientific importance with timeless natural beauty.