Description
Genuine Rare Amaltheus margaritatus Ammonite with Gibbirhynchia curviceps Brachiopods
This listing is for a genuine rare Amaltheus margaritatus fossil ammonite with Gibbirhynchia curviceps brachiopods from the Upper Pliensbachian stage of the Jurassic, collected from Eype, United Kingdom. This carefully chosen fossil specimen includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The photo shows the actual fossil you will receive, allowing you to view the ammonite, associated brachiopods, natural matrix, preservation, surface detail and overall display character of this individual piece before purchase. Full sizing details can be seen in the photo.
Your specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, and has been cleaned, prepped and treated by Alison. This gives the fossil a clear collecting history, from discovery through to careful preparation and presentation.
Amaltheus margaritatus Ammonite Information
Amaltheus margaritatus is a classic Early Jurassic ammonite species, strongly associated with the Upper Pliensbachian. Ammonites were extinct marine cephalopods related to modern squid, cuttlefish and nautilus, living inside coiled, chambered shells. Their rapid evolution and wide distribution make them highly important fossils for dating and correlating Jurassic marine rock layers.
This species is especially known for its attractive compressed shell form, distinct whorl structure, pronounced ornament and characteristic keel around the outer edge of the shell. Depending on preservation, Amaltheus margaritatus specimens may show curved ribs, natural shell detail, mineralised surfaces and a strong spiral profile. The genus Amaltheus is traditionally placed within the ammonite family Amaltheidae, part of the order Ammonitida.
Amaltheus margaritatus is closely linked with the Margaritatus ammonite Zone, an important Upper Pliensbachian biostratigraphic interval. This gives the specimen added geological interest, as ammonites from this zone are useful markers within Lower Jurassic marine sequences.
Gibbirhynchia curviceps Brachiopod Association
The presence of Gibbirhynchia curviceps brachiopods adds extra scientific and display appeal to this fossil. Brachiopods are marine animals with two shells, superficially similar to bivalves but belonging to a separate group with a very different anatomy. Gibbirhynchia curviceps is a rhynchonellid brachiopod, typically recognised by its compact shell form, ribbed surface and curved valve structure.
Having Amaltheus margaritatus preserved together with Gibbirhynchia curviceps gives this specimen a more complete palaeoenvironmental story. The ammonite represents an active swimming marine cephalopod, while the brachiopods represent part of the seabed community. Together, they show different forms of Jurassic marine life preserved in one natural specimen, making the piece especially appealing for collectors who appreciate multi-species fossil associations.
Upper Pliensbachian Jurassic Age
This fossil dates from the Upper Pliensbachian stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 190 to 183 million years ago. During this time, ancient seas covered parts of what is now southern England, supporting a rich marine ecosystem of ammonites, brachiopods, bivalves, gastropods, belemnites, crinoids and marine reptiles. Sediments accumulating on the seabed buried shells and other remains, allowing them to fossilise over millions of years.
The combination of ammonite and brachiopod material makes this specimen an excellent example of Lower Jurassic marine life. It is suitable for collectors interested in palaeontology, British fossils, ammonite zones, marine invertebrates and classic Jurassic Coast fossil material.
Eype Fossil Locality
Eype is a well-known fossil locality on the Dorset coast, valued for its Jurassic exposures and connection to classic British palaeontology. Fossils from this area are popular with collectors because they combine strong locality appeal with genuine geological significance. The coastal exposures around Eype have produced notable Lower Jurassic marine fossils, including ammonites from recognised biostratigraphic horizons.
A rare Amaltheus margaritatus ammonite with Gibbirhynchia curviceps brachiopods from Eype is a desirable addition to collections focused on British Jurassic fossils, Dorset fossils, ammonites, brachiopods or natural multi-faunal display specimens.
Preparation, Authenticity and Display Appeal
This fossil has been cleaned, prepped and treated by Alison to help present the specimen clearly while retaining its natural geological character. Careful preparation helps reveal the ammonite form, brachiopod detail, matrix texture and overall display quality of the piece while preserving its authentic natural appearance.
The specimen is suitable for fossil collectors, ammonite enthusiasts, brachiopod collectors, natural history displays, geology cabinets, educational collections, study sets or as a distinctive gift for someone interested in British palaeontology. It is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, confirming that it is a genuine fossil specimen. The fossil shown in the photo is the exact piece you will receive.










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