Description
Authentic Quenstedtoceras lamberti Fossil Ammonite from Dorset, UK
This listing offers a genuine Quenstedtoceras lamberti ammonite fossil from the Oxfordian Stage of the Late Jurassic, discovered at Tidmoor Point, The Fleet, Dorset, United Kingdom. This exceptional specimen dates back approximately 163–157 million years, during a period when southern England was covered by shallow seas teeming with marine life. The exact specimen shown in the photographs is the one you will receive, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its scientific and collectible value.
Geological Setting and Age
The Oxfordian Stage of the Late Jurassic was characterised by widespread shallow seas and rich marine biodiversity. Ammonites thrived in these environments, with Quenstedtoceras being one of the most important genera used to define specific biozones within the Oxfordian. The Dorset coast, and especially the Fleet lagoon area near Chesil Beach, is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, renowned for producing world-class fossil specimens. Fossils from Tidmoor Point hold a special place in the study of Jurassic stratigraphy, providing valuable insight into the palaeoenvironment of the region.
Scientific Classification
- Species: Quenstedtoceras lamberti
- Genus: Quenstedtoceras
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Age: Oxfordian Stage, Jurassic (~163–157 million years ago)
- Locality: Tidmoor Point, The Fleet, Dorset, United Kingdom
Morphology and Distinctive Traits
Quenstedtoceras lamberti is a beautifully ribbed ammonite, with sharply defined ribs that curve elegantly across the whorls. The shell morphology is compressed, with ribbing often bifurcating as it extends across the flanks towards the venter. This striking ornamentation is one of the most recognisable features of the species and makes it particularly appealing to fossil collectors. The genus Quenstedtoceras itself is named in honour of the German palaeontologist Friedrich August Quenstedt, who contributed significantly to Jurassic ammonite research.
Biozone and Stratigraphic Importance
Species of Quenstedtoceras play a key role in the Lamberticeras Biozone within the Oxfordian Stage, offering a reliable means of correlating rock layers across Europe. These ammonites serve as index fossils, enabling geologists to date and compare sediments with great accuracy. The Quenstedtoceras lamberti is especially important for understanding transitions within Oxfordian ammonite faunas in both Britain and continental Europe.
Depositional Environment
The Tidmoor Point locality is part of a classic Oxfordian succession consisting of clays, marls, and limestones deposited in warm, shallow seas. This environment was rich in marine organisms, from ammonites and belemnites to bivalves, fish, and marine reptiles. The quiet, fine-grained sedimentation allowed delicate details of ammonite shells to be preserved in remarkable condition, providing today’s collectors and researchers with outstanding specimens like this one.
Collectors and Educational Value
This authentic Quenstedtoceras lamberti ammonite fossil is not only a striking natural display piece but also a specimen of scientific significance. It embodies the key features of Oxfordian ammonites, making it a valuable teaching tool for illustrating ammonite morphology, stratigraphy, and palaeoecology. For private collectors, educators, or museums, this fossil offers both beauty and historical insight into the Jurassic seas of Dorset.
Item Details
- Type: Fossil Ammonite – Quenstedtoceras lamberti
- Age: Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–157 million years ago)
- Location: Tidmoor Point, The Fleet, Dorset, United Kingdom
- Notable Features: Distinct ribbing, index fossil of Oxfordian age
- Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (see photos for full size reference)
- Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen, Certificate of Authenticity included
- Specimen: The exact fossil shown in the photographs is the one provided
This Quenstedtoceras lamberti ammonite fossil from Tidmoor Point, Dorset represents an outstanding opportunity to own a piece of the UK’s Jurassic Coast heritage, combining scientific importance with natural beauty.
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