Description
Authentic Quenstedtoceras lamberti Fossil Ammonite
This listing offers a genuine Quenstedtoceras lamberti fossil ammonite, collected from Tidmoor Point, The Fleet, Dorset, United Kingdom. This specimen originates from the Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period, dating back approximately 163–157 million years ago. The fossil is a carefully chosen example, photographed in detail so you can see the exact specimen you will receive. Every purchase comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing that the ammonite is 100% genuine and not a cast or replica.
Geological Background
The Oxfordian Stage marks the beginning of the Upper Jurassic, a time when large parts of southern England were submerged beneath warm, shallow seas. Dorset’s coastline, particularly the area around The Fleet Lagoon and Tidmoor Point, is world-renowned for its rich Jurassic deposits. These sediments preserve an extraordinary record of ancient marine ecosystems. Ammonites such as Quenstedtoceras lamberti play a crucial role in stratigraphy, serving as index fossils that allow geologists to date and correlate Jurassic rocks across Europe.
The Oxfordian seas in Dorset were dominated by fine clays and marls, interbedded with occasional limestones, creating excellent conditions for fossil preservation. Within these deposits, ammonite shells were rapidly buried, protecting them from erosion and ensuring their survival for millions of years.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Quenstedtoceras
- Species: Quenstedtoceras lamberti
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Age: Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–157 million years ago)
- Locality: Tidmoor Point, The Fleet, Dorset, United Kingdom
Morphological Features
Quenstedtoceras lamberti is distinguished by its finely ribbed, involute shell. The whorls are tightly coiled, with ribs that extend from the umbilicus across the flanks and curve smoothly towards the venter. These ribs may be simple or slightly branching, giving the fossil a strikingly detailed appearance. The suture lines, while intricate, are less pronounced externally but reflect the complexity of ammonite shell morphology.
This species is often recognised for its elegant ribbing pattern and symmetrical whorl structure, which make it both a scientifically valuable and visually appealing specimen for collectors. The shell morphology also reflects adaptations to its nektonic lifestyle, allowing it to move efficiently through the Jurassic seas.
Palaeontological Importance
Ammonites such as Quenstedtoceras lamberti are essential in the study of Jurassic stratigraphy. This species is associated with the Lamberti Zone, a biostratigraphic marker within the Oxfordian that helps geologists identify and correlate rock layers across different regions. Its presence provides precise age dating of the sediments from which it was collected.
As part of the order Ammonitida, these cephalopods were active marine predators, likely feeding on small crustaceans and other invertebrates. They, in turn, formed part of the food chain, serving as prey for large marine reptiles such as plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. Their abundance and diversity during the Jurassic Period reflect their ecological success and adaptability.
Depositional Environment
The Fleet Lagoon and its surrounding deposits represent a shallow marine setting with calm, low-energy waters. These conditions favoured the accumulation of fine sediments that entombed ammonites and other marine life after death. Fossils from this region offer a snapshot of a thriving Oxfordian marine community, capturing the biodiversity of Jurassic seas in remarkable detail.
Collectability and Display Value
This Quenstedtoceras lamberti ammonite from Tidmoor Point is not only of great scientific interest but also a fine collector’s item. Its ribbed, well-preserved shell highlights the beauty of ammonite fossils while embodying the rich palaeontological heritage of Dorset, a region celebrated for its Jurassic Coast.
- Type: Fossil Ammonite – Quenstedtoceras lamberti
- Age: Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–157 million years ago)
- Origin: Tidmoor Point, The Fleet, Dorset, United Kingdom
- Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (please refer to photographs for full measurements)
- Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen with Certificate of Authenticity
- Guarantee: The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive
A remarkable ammonite fossil, this piece is an exceptional addition to any collection, offering both scientific significance and timeless natural beauty.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.