RARE: 10″ Haugia illustris Somerset Fossil Ammonite, Beacon Limestone Jurassic, Ilminster UK – Authentic Specimen with COA

Description

A truly exceptional and rare 10″ Haugia illustris fossil ammonite, collected from the Beacon Limestone Formation near Ilminster, Somerset, United Kingdom. This impressive specimen originates from the Lower Jurassic Period, offering both scientific and aesthetic value.

Taxonomic Classification:

• Genus: Haugia
• Species: illustris
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Family: Hildoceratidae
• Originally described by Fucini in the early 20th century, Haugia illustris is known for its distinctive ornamentation and rarity in British fossil beds

Geological Context:

• Formation: Beacon Limestone
• Stage: Lower Toarcian, Early Jurassic
• Biozone: Likely associated with the Haugia variabilis or Haugia illustris Subzone (within the Serpentinum Zone)
• Age: Approximately 183 to 180 million years old
• Location: Ilminster, Somerset, UK
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine shelf, with fine limestones and calcareous muds promoting exceptional fossil preservation

Morphological Features:

• Involute coiling with a moderately narrow umbilicus
• Strong, bifurcating ribs sweeping from the umbilical seam across the flanks
• Broad venter with occasional tuberculate ornamentation
• Shell typically shows well-defined growth lines and complex suture patterns, visible in high-quality preservation such as this specimen

Scientific Significance:

• Haugia illustris is a rare and valuable ammonite species for Jurassic biostratigraphy
• This genus is indicative of rapid ammonite evolution during the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (TOAE)
• Specimens of this quality from the UK are highly sought after by collectors, researchers, and museums

This fossil is displayed with a 1cm scale rule cube for accurate size reference. The actual specimen shown in the photo is the one you will receive, professionally cleaned and prepared for maximum clarity and appeal.

Authenticity Guaranteed: All fossils sold are 100% genuine natural specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. This Haugia illustris is a collector-grade piece, perfect for education, scientific reference, or private display.

Please consult the photos for exact sizing and visual details. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a stunning ammonite fossil from the famed Jurassic beds of Somerset, UK.