RARE 10″ Sonninia papilliceras papillatum Ammonite Fossil – Sauzeri Zone Inferior Oolite Middle Bajocian Jurassic – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

Offered here is a RARE 10″ fossil ammonite of Sonninia (Papilliceras) papillatum from the Sauzeri Zone, Inferior Oolite, Middle Bajocian Stage, Jurassic Period, collected at Sherborne, Dorset, United Kingdom. This extraordinary specimen is part of the renowned Alice Purnell Collection and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity confirming its genuine provenance.

This is the actual fossil you will receive, with a scale cube (1 cm) included for precise size reference—see photo for full sizing.

Geological & Palaeontological Context:

• Species: Sonninia (Papilliceras) papillatum
• Genus/Subgenus: Sonninia / Papilliceras
• Geological Stage: Middle Bajocian (~170.3–168.3 million years ago)
• Biozone: Sauzei Zone (Zone of Sonninia (Papilliceras) sauzei)
• Formation: Inferior Oolite Group
• Location: Sherborne, Dorset, UK
• Depositional Environment: Shallow, warm epicontinental marine shelf. The Inferior Oolite of Dorset is composed predominantly of oolitic limestones and marl, indicative of high-energy, shallow subtidal settings with prolific ammonite faunas and excellent fossil preservation.

Taxonomic Classification:

• Family: Sonniniidae
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Suborder: Ammonitina
• Formally Identified By: This species was first described by d’Orbigny in the 19th century and has been subsequently recognised as a key index fossil in the Middle Bajocian ammonite biostratigraphy of Europe.

Morphology Features:

This stunning ammonite displays the key traits of the subgenus Papilliceras, including:

• Finely ribbed shell with dense radial ornamentation
• Slightly involute whorl with a moderately deep umbilicus
• Delicate ventrolateral tuberculation (giving the “papillate” appearance for which it is named)
• Well-developed keel and compressed whorl section

Its impressive 10″ diameter makes it a significant collector’s piece and a striking display fossil.

Notable Attributes:

• A biostratigraphically significant ammonite, often used in zone definitions for the Bajocian
• Sourced from a classic fossiliferous locality in Sherborne
• A museum-quality fossil in size and preservation
• Comes from the Alice Purnell Collection, a trusted name in British palaeontology

Additional Notes:

• All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm – full sizing is visible in the photographs.
• This is the exact specimen you will receive.
• Ideal for collectors, educators, and display in academic or private collections.

A scientifically valuable and visually striking ammonite from one of the key stratigraphic units of the Jurassic in southern England. Don’t miss the chance to own this exceptional fossil.